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Residents urge action on police staffing and transparency during DeSoto citizen appearances
Summary
Several residents used citizen appearances to press council on public safety, police staffing shortages, and transparency in financial reporting and public records; one resident urged consideration of retention incentives and a feasibility study on officer recruitment and retention.
Multiple residents addressed the council during citizen appearances, urging more urgent action on public safety and greater transparency.
Mary Bonaparte told council "The city this city has declined to the point where many residents no longer feel safe in their own neighborhoods," and urged action on officer retention, suggesting pay and incentive changes and outside assistance if necessary. She cited rising auto thefts, assaults and reduced police visibility.
Bernadine Harrison criticized procedural changes that limit comment reach and complained about recent council conduct; she said residents are pushed to speak at the end of the meeting when fewer people remain to listen. Dr. Brandon Norwood raised concerns about decorum and said a public‑records request for catalytic‑converter theft data (filed in April) had not yet been fulfilled, noting staff are working on the request.
Council did not take immediate action in the citizen‑appearance period but the comments put public safety and records transparency on record for potential follow‑up by staff.
