Interview with Task Force Officer Letreian Johns
Conducted by Mari Kornhauser and B.B. St. Roman

Where did you grow up?

In New Orleans, in the Mid City area.

Who lives with you at home?

I'm single, but I have a cat named Tia.

When did you join the NOPD?

October of '98.

What made you decide to become a Police Officer?

I was influenced by a relative who is already on the job.

When did you come to the 8th District?

May of '99.

How is the 8th District different from other districts?

We have a different variety of people. Besides the locals, we have the tourists who bring on a different atmosphere.

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

The best way is in the perception I give to the people I encounter. Sometimes it is the first time people have had contact with a Police Officer, so I need to be as patient as possible with them. By helping the citizens I'm also helping my fellow Officers, because then people walk away with a good impression of the 8th District Officers.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Meeting the different people. By meeting them, I learn so much about myself, the things I like, the things I dislike, the things I stand for, the things I want to stand for.
What is one of your funniest experiences on the job?
This is the funniest and also the most embarrassing experience I've had: One time when I tripped on the stairs entering the station, I fell and split my pants wide open!
What's your favorite food?

Ice cream -- Häagen-Dazs coffee ice cream.

What's your favorite music?

I like jazz, contemporary jazz.

What is your favorite cop show/movie/book?

"CSI" - I'm a fanatic, I have all 3 seasons on DVD, and the computer game. The only reason I didn't tape the 4th season of "CSI" was because I had to watch the last season of "Sex in the City."

If there is one thing you would want people to know about you, what would that be?
That nothing's ever really going to shake me up emotionally, because I have long term goals in life and I don't plan on anything getting in the way of that.

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

We only have one Interstate in this city and really only one junction, I-10 and 610. That's some serious stuff and I wish I could change it.
 
If you could have one wish, what would that be?

I would wish that I could have 3 more wishes!