Ted Cox from Caddo Parish Juvenile Court talks about the causes - and possible solutions - of Shreveport's gun violence epidemic.

The city has been plagued by a spate of shootings of late and according to law enforcement at many levels, the problem is primarily one involving those underage.

"It's not news to me," says Cox, referring to the increase, not only in juvenile cri8me, but its severity, "We have a high crime rate here in Shreveport just like they do in Baton Rouge, just like the do in New Orleans."

"The problem," he continues, "Is we've destroyed our family unit. If you want to start with reducing the juvenile crime rate, come to the court...and listen to the weak excuses why fathers don't want to provide for their children."

Here's Cox' complete conversation with KEEL News:

Cox then talks about the lack of respect for authority and lack of discipling as a common thread. "Now, if you want to talk tactics, I know what we need to do about law enforcement. We need to go back to the days of the Jump Out Boys (Anti-Gang Unit) and if they see something that doesn't look right, they need to stop these kids and check it out. We have to tighten down on law enforcement and it's not going to be pleasant and people aren't going to like it."

And what about Cox' thoughts on the future, not only the individual kids, but the city as a whole. "I'm not optimistic," he says, "It's a sad situation. But it's not just in Shreveport. Basically, it's nationwide. But, we can't give up. (Young People) are our future, so we've got to do what we can to fix the problem."

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