BOSSIER PARISH, La. — Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office released its 2025 crime statistics for the unincorporated areas of the parish, highlighting six-year trends that show consistently low violent crime and significant reductions in major property crime categories.
Julian Whittington encouraged residents to view the data in the context of long-term patterns rather than focusing on a single year.
A review of crime data from 2020 through 2025 shows that five of the last six years recorded either zero or one homicide in the unincorporated areas of Bossier Parish. The sheriff described the sustained low homicide rate as an indicator of overall public safety and credited consistent enforcement strategies, proactive patrol operations and coordination with other agencies.
Beyond homicide, overall violent crime remained low and stable during the six-year period. Robbery and aggravated assault showed no sustained upward trend, with year-to-year fluctuations remaining within historical norms.
The sheriff acknowledged an increase in reported sexual assault cases in recent years but emphasized that most involve family members or individuals known to the victim.
“While sexual assault reports have increased, our investigations show that the vast majority of these cases involve family members or individuals personally known to the victim. These are not stranger assaults, and there is no indication of an increase in random or predatory attacks against the general public,” Whittington said.
He added that increased reporting may reflect greater awareness, improved reporting mechanisms and a willingness of victims to come forward.
“These cases are taken very seriously,” he said. “Our deputies and investigators work closely with victims, advocacy partners, and prosecutors to ensure every report is thoroughly investigated.”
The six-year analysis also showed sustained declines in property crime. Burglary offenses fell by more than 40% between 2020 and 2025, while thefts from vehicles declined by more than 60% over the same period.
Whittington attributed the long-term reductions in part to prevention initiatives implemented during the past six years, including the LOC program, which encourages residents to lock their vehicles, observe their surroundings and call law enforcement when they see suspicious activity.
He also cited the formation of the Joint Criminal Apprehension Team, a specialized unit focused on targeted patrols, identifying repeat offenders and disrupting criminal activity.
The sheriff emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation, including partnerships with the Bossier City Police Department, Benton Police Department, Haughton Police Department and Plain Dealing Police Department.
Regional and state partnerships include the Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police. Federal coordination includes the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Marshals Service.
“Crime does not recognize jurisdictional boundaries. Our ability to work together every day, share information, and coordinate enforcement efforts plays a major role in keeping violent crime, especially homicide, at exceptionally low levels,” Whittington said.
The sheriff credited deputies, supervisors and partner agencies for the long-term stability reflected in the data and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to transparency, collaboration and proactive policing in the unincorporated areas of the parish.