SHREVEPORT, La. — An analysis of Caddo Parish 911 call data conducted by LSU Health Shreveport shows a significant decline in shootings and overall crime-related calls, even as demand for mental health and crisis-related services continues to grow.
The study, conducted by the LSU Health Shreveport Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, examined quarterly 911 call data received through a secure data-sharing agreement with the City of Shreveport, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Caddo Parish 911. LSU Health Shreveport researchers have analyzed the data independently since 2020 to identify long-term trends.
According to the latest analysis covering the first three quarters of 2025, approximately 75% of all 911 calls in Caddo Parish are non-criminal in nature. Researchers found that roughly 65% of law enforcement time and resources are devoted to non-criminal calls, including mental health crises and welfare checks.
“Our job is not to judge this data, but to interpret it,” said Laura Baxter, research and development project coordinator for the LSU Health Shreveport Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine. “We’re here to analyze these results, show trends and inform our leaders so that they can decide what needs to change.”
The data shows a 58% reduction in shooting-related 911 calls over the past five years. Overall, crime-related calls declined 18% during the same period.
LSU Health Shreveport officials noted that the findings reflect broader changes in emergency response patterns. While crime-related calls have decreased, crisis intervention calls have risen, a trend attributed in part to improved reporting practices adopted by local law enforcement following enhanced crisis intervention training that began in 2020.
Historically, many mental health-related calls resulted in hospitalization or incarceration due to limited crisis response options. Officials said that approach placed strain on law enforcement and healthcare systems and often disrupted individuals’ support networks and employment.
In response, a multi-year partnership involving LSU Health Shreveport, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish 911 and the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health has expanded crisis response services. The Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse now provides mobile crisis response teams that can respond directly to individuals in crisis with on-site, evidence-based treatment.
LSU Health Shreveport officials said the expanded crisis response system represents a significant public health improvement for the Shreveport community while helping law enforcement focus resources more effectively.