Interview with Task Force Sergeant Preston Bax
Conducted by Mari Kornhauser and B.B. St. Roman

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the 7th Ward area, around Touro and Law and Hope.
Who lives with you at home?

I'm married, with a baby boy, Preston Bax III, he's 1 year old, and I have another one on the way, hopefully a girl.

When did you join the NOPD?

I joined in April '98.

What made you decide to become a Police Officer?

I didn't want to go to law school, but I wanted to stay in the law profession. I decided I wanted to help the city out and do my part to try to make the city safer.

When did you come to the 8th District?

I came to the 8th in August, 2003.

How is the 8th District different from other districts?

The 8th is very unique. It has a lot of diverse people that live and work with each other. The whole Quarter is historic. You meet people with many different ethnic backgrounds, different religions, a real melting pot.

How do you feel you can best serve the 8th District?

Just by doing my part, making the residents of the 8th feel safe, and the visitors, not letting anything happen to them. It's a hard job, but I do my best.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

It makes me feel good to catch the bad guy, I like to see the person go though the whole judicial process and serve time. I don't like to see people being victims of crime, but I'm glad to be able to help them out.

What is one of your funniest experiences on the job?

It was when I was on the Task Force in the 2nd District. It was late at night and we chased this guy and he ran under a house. Normally when that happens, we will call in a canine unit, a dog to apprehend him. The guy was running around hollering and screaming underneath the house, and we told him we're calling the dogs to get him. And he yelled out, "Don't call the dogs!" Well, we really didn't want to wait for dogs to get there, so after a few minutes we started barking like dogs -- and he came right out! When he looked around and didn't see any dogs, he asked where the dogs were. So we said, "You're looking at 'em!"

What's your favorite food?

I like to eat. Most of the time I ask my wife to cook Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes.

What's your favorite music?

Inspirational music.

What is your favorite cop show/movie/book?

"The Shield" -- I like that.

If there is one thing you would want people to know about you, what would that be?

I'm a caring person.

If there is one thing you could change in this city, what would that be?

The people's attitude toward the Police, their perception about the Police. 99% of the Police on the job want the same things as everyone else, a family, a nice home, good schools. We're just ordinary people. Just the 1%, who may be bad make it bad for everybody else, just like in any profession.

If you could have one wish, what would that be?

No more crime in the City of New Orleans.