Cops Capture Community
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
An annual “Nights Out” hosted by the Opelousas Police Department attracted about 100 people who took advantage of food, school supplies and other free items on Tuesday.
Police Chief Graig LeBlanc said the event across from police headquarters, which is normally held once yearly, gave people in Opelousas an opportunity to get better acquainted with his officers and the various jobs they perform citywide.
“We’ve held this for the last three years. It helps our officers get to know the people and get closer and more personal with them. This is something we’ve seen grow each time we have it,” said LeBlanc, who is running for a second term.
Those who attended were treated to jambalaya, sausage po-boys, bar-be-qued leg quarters smothered in sauce and small bags of chips.
Parents were stocking school supplies such as loose leaf paper, composition books and other classroom essentials, while food seasoning and gift packages were provided by civic organizations, the police department, political candidates and corporate sponsors.
Candidates who were poised to qualify for the November election, walked the open area, dodging the bubble machine and invitations to sit as targets for the dunking booth.
The army recruiting station was one of the favorite destinations, as visitors attempted to lift a bar with several hundred pounds of weights attached.
LeBlanc received approval for the job the department is performing.
Donald Broussard said national crime statistics indicate that OPD has helped reduce violent crime.
“The national statistics are showing that crimes such as murders, assaults and crimes of that nature are not what they were eight years ago. I think that means the current leadership of the department has been effective and working well. It seems the community is also buying in,” said Broussard.
Greta Malbrough Marion said she has been impressed with the ability of the department to solve most criminal cases.
“I think the crime rate could be even better if the public would help the police,” she said.
Therion Winbush, who said he knew LeBlanc as a youth, also provided compliments.
“I think the police here are doing the best that they can do. I know when we call things in, there is a response right away. There is no hesitation,” Winbush added.
