SHREVEPORT, Louisiana – The Criminal Justice Task Force in Caddo Parish, comprising various agencies, has conducted an in-depth analysis of the criminal justice data to address the persistent issue of overcrowding at the Caddo Correctional Center (CCC). After a year-long study, the task force unveiled a report containing 16 specific recommendations during a news conference on November 14, 2023.
The Caddo Parish Criminal Justice Task Force, with support from the Justice Reinvestment Initiative and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, embarked on a mission to understand and resolve the factors contributing to overcrowding at CCC. Their comprehensive approach sought to identify both immediate and long-range strategies while focusing on cost minimization and public safety enhancement.
The task force’s report highlighted several critical findings:
- A notable decrease in CCC admissions, with a 40% drop from 2012 to 2021.
- A significant increase in pretrial admissions, constituting 72% of all admissions in 2022, compared to 56% in 2021.
- Individuals held pretrial are spending almost double the time in CCC compared to 2012.
- A decrease in the number of bail-eligible individuals posting bond, leading to longer stays for those who cannot post bail.
- An alarming increase in bail amounts, with the median total bail in 2022 being 259% higher than in 2012.
- Lengthier court processing times for CCC detainees.
Despite the decrease in admissions, the CCC population grew by 12% from 2012 to 2022, indicating a complex issue at hand.
The task force’s recommendations focus on addressing these challenges through a multi-faceted approach, involving various stakeholders in the justice system. While specific recommendations were not detailed in the news conference, it is clear that the task force advocates for evidence-based reforms and a collaborative effort to alleviate the pressures on the justice system.
The concerted efforts of the Caddo Parish Criminal Justice Task Force mark a significant step toward resolving the overcrowding crisis at the CCC. Their data-driven approach, emphasizing collaboration and evidence-based reforms, provides a blueprint for not only alleviating current overcrowding but also for preventing future recurrences. As Caddo Parish moves forward with these recommendations, it stands to enhance the effectiveness and equity of its criminal justice system.
The Shreveport Sun Online readers can find the full report here.
