Our Views: Crime ‘zones’ prove popular

As we reported in a recent edition of The Advocate, crime-prevention districts are becoming more popular in Baton Rouge. The districts, typically created along neighborhood lines, assess a parcel fee on property in the neighborhood to help fund extra police patrols and security lighting. Creation of the districts is subject to approval by the Legislature and assessing a parcel fee is subject to voter approval by registered voters within the proposed districts. The districts typically hire off-duty police officers and sheriff’s deputies to conduct the extra patrols.

As concern about crime in Baton Rouge rises, crime-prevention districts have become more numerous. A proposed constitutional amendment on the Nov. 6 statewide ballot would regulate how such districts are formed. The amendment would require more public notice before proposed crime prevention districts are considered by state lawmakers.

We understand why crime prevention districts are popular. They can be an important tool in the fight against crime. However, such districts shouldn’t be considered a cure-all for crime in our area. Reducing crime also requires effort in troubled neighborhoods where such crime-prevention districts don’t exist. We’re encouraged that local law enforcement officials recently announced plans to focus resources and seek more citizen collaboration in high-crime areas of Baton Rouge. We hope those efforts prove successful.

Comments

1) Comment by phil - 14/07/2012

They are NOT popular with a lot of people including me. These districts are political subdivisions of the state that have to be created by the LA Legislature and seem to completely bypass the local tax structure. People in the districts have to pay a fee instead of a tax, but the fee is actually collected almost exactly like a property tax, and the results for not paying are about the same as a property tax is. However this is called a FEE that is actually controlled by an appointed board instead of your elected officials. You can call it what you want to (tax or fee) but it smells and acts just like a property tax to me. There are many other issues with these crime prevention districts and I personally think they border on being a legal method of a protection racket. I agree with Being_Stupid, even if my reasons might be somewhat different for getting rid of these special districts. Generally speaking I think most special districts should be named "special alternate way to get your money districts".

2) Comment by Being_Stupid - 14/07/2012

"CRIME PREVENTION" is a Fear Tactic used by Self-Appointed Neighborhood Associations (Property Collectives) and the Federation of Greater Baton Rouge Civic Associations (FGBRCA Lobby) to steal individual property rights. In Melrose Crime Prevention District, my business property is taxed $500 (5 times what a residential property owner pays), yet I got zero votes on the matter. The Louisiana Court System needs to declare these Municipal Taxing Districts by Non-Municipalities and Self Appointed Boards to be unconstitutional. The Individual's Property is being stolen and given over to a Self-Appointed (Non-Elected) Property Collective.

3) Comment by tradewinns - 14/07/2012

did the advocate research this type of programs success or failure before deciding to support this concept? or are they just supporting the idea to make BR citizens "feel" safer? when these police begin their "crack down on crime" in the areas, is that going to drive the criminals into other areas to "make their money"? the concentrated districts are well known. leaving the others vulnerable. is the sheriff going to declare it a victory when crime falls in the designated areas but increases in the remaining or surronding areas? lets set some honest, measurable goals.