Shreveport Mayor Tyler lays an egg with SPD chief appointment

In what was no surprise to most observers, Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler named her acting police chief, Alan Crump, as the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) permanent chief on Nov. 29. Crump’s selection as interim chief was considered by many to be Tyler’s worst appointment since becoming mayor in December 2014; naming him as the chief continues her poor performance as the elected leader of Louisiana’s thirdlargest city.

From the get-go, the selection process followed by Tyler was a sham at best. There was little doubt that she really only had two criteria for her selection (other than passing the civil service exam, which is required by law): that the chief be a Shreveport resident and be an African-American. And no doubt Tyler wanted, as is her “leadership” modus operandi, puppy dog loyalty to the extent of practically being a “yes man.”

Crump’s credentials are shaky at best, and pathetic at worst. Evidently, Tyler placed a high priority on Crump’s bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate in theology from Inter- Baptist Theological Seminary Inc.; this non-accredited seminary is located on Grigsby Street in Shreveport. To his credit Crump did earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from LSUS in 1997.

Crump’s job application was noticeably blank in the important areas of formal training and special qualifying experience and certifications. Crump’s score of 77 on the civil service exam was the second lowest of the 19 applicants who all passed; 95 was the highest score earned by finalist Cpl. Benjamin Raymond.

Crump’s career with the SPD has been noticeably unremarkable for a 24-year veteran. One month before he was named as the interim chief, he was promoted from sergeant to probational lieutenant. Before becoming the interim chief, Crump headed up the Community Oriented Policing Bureau and Youth Services.

Tyler’s selection process followed the usual dog and pony show: advertise the job, have the applicants take the exam, interview all the applicants, announce the seven finalists and then crown the winner. The 12 who did not make the cut received the obligatory “well done, but no cigar” letter of thanks for applying; the six ultimate “losers” were informed by turning on their television for the announcement press conference – no last-minute phone call or e-mail.

Reportedly, Crump never really lobbied for the police job, which most officers (active and retired) believe is over his head – like, way over his head. While the interim chief, Crump’s service was unremarkable at best; he failed to impress observers in his limited public appearances, which included Tyler’s poorly organized Southwood High School “solve our crime problem” gathering. And for those keeping count, the reported crimes, and especially murders, continued to grow while Crump was interim chief.

In her announcement of Crump’s selection, Tyler said her decision was based on multiple factors, including test scores and interviews. Being an educator by trade, one can only wonder how she factored in Crump’s low test score as well as lack of additional police training and certification. And in what is perhaps the most incredulous statement, Tyler said Crump would “advance the SPD to serve as a model for the entire nation.” Any optimism among the rank and file officers for a fresh face with new ideas and enthusiasms vanished with Tyler’s announcement – which most officers considered to be a fait accompli when Crump was named interim chief.

John E. Settle Jr. is an attorney who has practiced in Shreveport- Bossier since 1977. His columns have appeared in local publications for more than 15 years. He can be reached at 742-5513 or [email protected].