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Acadiana Crimestoppers: Conversation with St. Martinville Police Chief Ricky Martin
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ST. MARTINVILLE, La. (KLFY) -- As part of our Acadiana Crimestoppers show, exclusively on KLFY Plus, we sat down with St. Martinville Police Chief Ricky Martin to discuss improvements made in the fight again crime within the city.
He says crime and the number of calls coming into the department have decreased signifcantly year-over-year.
"Looking at stats from 2024, we've had a decrease of about 65% in our calls for service," said Martin.
He says this is due to proactive measures recently implemented.
"We've been installing a camera system throughout the city and that's been helping tremendously," explained Martin.
These cameras have proven to be a vital tool for law enforcement. It increases the visibility within the department's jurisdiction.
"We're limited on the amount of patrol officers we can have on our streets," he said.
The cameras have also helped with investigations.
"It allows us to be more proactive in terms of narcotics investigations go," added Martin. "More cameras are on the way. We have them at all the intersections, we have them all over the city, and we're still adding."
The cameras go hand-in-hand with an increased attention to traffic enforcement. A newly formed traffic program allows the department to know what they should be looking for and where.
"Anytime we get complaints about speeding in a certain area, we'll target that area," said Martin.
He says this was all made possible by Mayor Jason Willis, who found a way to get money flowing into the department.
"There's a lot of changes he made in the city, just in terms of the city infrastructure and the way money was being spent," said Martin.
This money, including a pay raise for department employees, has made a positive impact.
"It's been huge for recruiting and retention of our employees," said Martin.
He says it's all about the citizens of St. Martinville having faith in their leaders, making them want to live in and invest in the city.
"People don't realize the growth of a community depends a lot on the police department, because people don't want to move to a city ridden in crime," he said.
He says the department will continue to make progress and positive changes.
"The feedback I'm getting back from the public and within the department has been positive, so apparently we're doing something right," added Martin.
The full conversation with Chief Ricky Martin can be seen on Acadiana Crimestoppers, exclusively on KLFY Plus.