OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- As part of their community engagement initiative, the Opelousas Police Department held a community walk this evening.

These walks give citizens and law enforcement the chance to interact face to face, which Chief Graig Leblanc says, strengthens the bond between them.

“We’re out here, we’re becoming one with the community.” said Leblanc.

Leblanc said he has always believed in a hands-on approach to policing, engaging with the community directly and hearing their concerns

These community walks consist of Leblanc and his officers going door to door, talking to residents and listening to them.

“What’s the problems, what are their concerns, and even if it’s not our responsibility, it’s still our concern, and we still want to do something about it.” said Leblanc.

The walk shows the Opelousas Police Department will use the long arm of justice, to lend a helping hand.

“Do you have something we can do, that might not be the police department’s responsibility, but maybe we can see if we can do something to get that taken care of for you.” said Leblanc.

LeBlanc says it gives the citizens a sense of security, letting them know they are heard.

“We not just about fighting crime, we fight crime, but we’re also about quality of life,” said Leblanc. “I ran on hope, we’re all about hope, we’re all about optimistic, we’re all about persistence, we’re all about enthusiasm.”

Crime rates are down year over year from 2023 to 2024, with the trend looking to continue in 2025.

“Whatever we can do to help turn down the crime, pick up the community involvement.” said Leblanc.

Resident David Boxie, former law enforcement himself, joined the walk tonight. He says the community plays an equally important role in bringing down crime and improving quality of life.

“Get out and walk, talk to your neighborhood, let them know, crime, if you can get ahead of it you can stay ahead of it. If you see something, say something.” said Boxie.

More of these walks are planned down the line, and Leblanc says, his department will never stop reaching out to its citizens.

“Crime is going down, our community involvement is going up, and because crime is going down our community involvement will continue to go up.” said Leblanc.

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