Brian Tumor Foundation thanks LPSO for Support
Bullet McGee with “Ride for Kids” Pediatric Brian Tumor Foundation presents a plaque to Major Art Lebreton for LPSO assistance in their fund raiser.
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Shenandoah Neighborhood Watch Appreciates Deputies
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Dear Sheriff Neustrom
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Dear Sheriff Neustrom:
I would like to start off by thanking the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Department for their assistance in the planning and implementation of our Neighborhood Watch program. As you may already be aware, our neighborhood is not within the city limits of any smaller municipality, and is simply part of rural Lafayette Parish. Our neighborhood had increasing problems with thefts and criminal damage to property, and simply used the Lafayette Parish Sheriff s Department as a means of reporting the incidents.
After much frustration, our neighborhood decided it was time to take action and put a stop to our neighborhood problems. Sergeant Tom Stith with the Community Services Unit has been more than helpful and cooperative in assisting with getting the Neighborhood Watch up and running, and keeping it maintained.
Sergeant Stith and Deputy Elisa Foster came to our first Neighborhood Watch meeting armed with flyers, pamphlets, and a well of information which they shared with us. They gave us instruction on personal safety, securing our homes, monitoring the neighborhood and keeping ourselves safe in doing so, and dealing with certain situations that may arise, as well as how to work with the Sheriffs Department in resolving our problems, including a pro-active approach at deterring crime.
Our neighborhood also had a block party several months after starting our program, at which Sergeant Stith, his lovely wife, and Deputy Darrell Doucet attended. Sergeant Stith and Deputy Doucet presented some of our Neighborhood Watch Block Captains with the signs we had ordered and that were delivered to the Sheriff s Department, and made sure to get to know
the neighbors, listen to their concerns, and generally let the neighborhood know that the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Department is backing us in our endeavor.
I also wanted to add that Sergeant Stith and his wife attended the block party on their own personal time and we are very thankful to them for their presence and for Sergeant Stith's respectable work ethic. He is an asset to the Sheriff's Department, Actually, Sergeant Tom Stith, Deputy Darrell Doucet, and Deputy Elisa Foster, are all assets to your Department.
I initially had some doubts about the Neighborhood Watch program and its effectiveness. However, after just a few weeks, our neighborhood was seeing a decrease in criminal and mischievous activity, and after just a few months, the neighborhood is relatively quiet.
When the Shenandoah Neighborhood Watch began, our neighborhood was having approximately 3 to 4 incidents (give or take a few) per week. Our neighborhood now has zero incidents per week with just an occasional problem reported. It appears that with a little proactive involvement, we are able to deter problems in our neighborhood.
Again, I thank the Lafayette Parish Sheriff s Department, Sergeant Tom Stith, Deputy Darrell Doucet, and Deputy Elisa Foster, as well as all of the patrolling deputies, in helping to continue to make our neighborhood a safe haven for our families!
With kind regards, I remain
Very truly yours,
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Marguerite Fitzgerald, Shenandoah Neighborhood Watch Coordinator
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Home : Community Relations : News & Recognition : Press Releases
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Press Releases
THINK SHOPPING SAFETY AT CHRISTMAS
Monday, December 18, 2006
Shopper's are making their list and checking it twice, but are they neglecting to check their safety?
This time of year has a tendency to attract more shopping-related criminal activity because of larger crowds and extended store hours. These factors, combined with the usual distractions related to shopping, create a more favorable environment for thieves and other offenders.
Unfortunately, when shopping, people sometimes have a tendency to become distracted and lose sight of their personnel safety.
However, Sheriff Neustrom states There are several precautions busy shoppers can take to help eliminate their chances of becoming a victim."
Always try to shop with another person; a single shopper is an easier target.
When going shopping, make sure you tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return home.
Plan ahead, if you know you are going to return to your car after dark, park in a well-lit area if possible.
If you are in a store and sense that you are being followed or watched, locate a store employee or security personnel.
If you feel uneasy returning to your car alone, find security and ask them to walk you to your car.
When returning or exiting your vehicle be alert and aware of you surroundings.
Do not leave packages or valuables in plain sight; store them in the trunk of your vehicle.
Make a list of all credit card numbers and the numbers to report in case they are lost or stolen.
Sheriff Neustrom concludes, Have a safe and joyous holiday season from your Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office."
Lt. Craig Stansbury
Public Information Officer
236-5876
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