Alexandria, La. (UrbanCast: 7/21/2026) – Residents packed Monday evening’s Samtown/Woodside Neighborhood Group meeting, filling the room to hear Rapides Parish Sheriff Mark Wood address growing concerns about crime and public safety. The standing-room-only crowd reflected the level of frustration within the community as neighbors shared personal experiences and looked for solutions.
Wood, the evening’s keynote speaker, spent much of the meeting listening to residents before outlining how the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is working to address crime through partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Many residents focused their concerns on the Alexandria Police Department’s patrol presence and response times.
“It keeps happening over and over,” one resident said while describing recurring gunfire in the neighborhood.
Another resident said APD is operating with a shortage of about 40 officers, adding that the lack of personnel has reduced patrol visibility. Others in the room suggested the shortage may be even greater.
Another resident urged neighbors not to stop reporting criminal activity.
“Call, call, call,” the resident said. “The more calls they receive, they know it’s a problem.”
Wood agreed that reporting suspicious activity remains critical. He encouraged residents to continue calling law enforcement and reminded them they can provide information anonymously. He explained that repeated reports help investigators identify patterns, document ongoing criminal activity, and strengthen cases presented to the courts.
The sheriff also encouraged residents to contact the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office directly when appropriate. He explained that many neighborhood complaints are reported only to the Alexandria Police Department, making it more difficult for deputies to recognize recurring problems affecting the community.
Wood said the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to work closely with the Alexandria Police Department, Louisiana State Police, and federal law enforcement agencies. Sharing information, he said, allows agencies to better coordinate investigations and avoid duplicating efforts.
Wood also discussed the Sheriff’s Office’s future role in operating the parish’s new 58-bed juvenile detention center. He said the facility will provide local resources while strengthening services for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
One of the evening’s most well-received moments came after Wood outlined additional steps his office plans to take in response to residents’ concerns. His remarks drew sustained applause from those in attendance, signaling support for greater engagement between the Sheriff’s Office and the community.
Residents also discussed ways to prevent crime before it starts. One attendee encouraged families to teach firearm safety at an early age, while others emphasized expanding youth programs and providing more positive opportunities for children.
Before adjourning, Samtown/Woodside Neighborhood Group Vice President Candice Cheney thanked Sheriff Wood and his entire team for spending the evening with residents. She expressed appreciation for their willingness to answer questions, listen to concerns, and engage directly with the community.
Following the meeting, several residents questioned the absence of Alexandria City Councilwoman Cynthia Perry, whose District 3 includes the Samtown and Woodside neighborhoods. Community members also noted that neither SafeAlex, Alexandria Police Department nor the Mayor’s Office had representatives in attendance.
The packed meeting underscored the level of concern residents have about public safety. It also demonstrated the community’s desire to work with law enforcement to address crime, improve communication, and make their neighborhoods safer.
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