ST. JOHN PARISH ANTI-CRIME PROGRAM

* Serving the LaPlace Community *
Vol. 1, No. I
Spring/Summer 1997

June 19, 1997

Dealing with Crime in Our Community

Message from the Chairperson Judy Songy

We've had three anti-crime meetings and while we're still in the organizational stage we've come a long way. Interest in the community has been good and cooperation from the Sheriff and his staff has been outstanding

Some of the programs we are supporting are:

1) Self defense-Everyone in the parish will have the opportunity to hear a professional talk on the topic of self defense at no cost;

2) Develop strategies to empower our community by increasing public awareness of crime in the area;

3) Supporting the Sheriff's Department with participation in "America's Night Out Against Crime", and;

4) "Report a Crime Campaign" to encourage the public to report crimes or criminal activity without the fear of being Identified. We are developing a special phone line that is not traceable, nor will the caller be asked his or her name when reporting a crime. These kinds of programs are what this task force is about and I really believe we can make a difference by improving the safety, security and well-being of our community.

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From the Members

Spring has been a fast-paced time for the St. John Parish Anti-Crime Program. We are on a great path to addressing the crime problems of our community. We have wonderful volunteers who are ready, willing and able to meet the task of making our program successful. Please come by and sit-in on an anti-crime meeting. Our community is only what we make it!

Mission Statement

The St. John Parish Anti-Crime Program's mission is to develop and sustain a happy, safe and prosperous community. The goal of the program is to create community-based solutions to the crime and social problems of our community. The challenge for most members of our community is coming together to combat crime. We are hopeful that we will continue to enlist individuals who are committed to our mission.

Getting the Word Out

Lately we have been lucky to receive media coverage from a variety of television stations and newspapers. Many thanks to all of the individuals who helped promote the St. John Parish Anti-Crime Program because they believe in what we are doing.

The River Parishes vow to join in
"America 's Night Out Against Crime"

The first Tuesday of August, each year, is nationally recognized as "National Night Out Against Crime." This year's The Anti-Crime Program needs event is scheduled to take place August 5, 1997. "National Night Out" is designed to: heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community relations; and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are fighting back.

Residents across the River Parishes are urged to flip on their porch lights on the evening of August 5, 1997 as part of the National Night Out Against Crime prevention program. Nationally, more than 20 million people in 10,000 communities are expected to participate in activities that promote the national fight against crime in America's communities. From 7- 1 0 p.m. residents in neighborhoods across the nation are asked to lock their doors and turn on outside porch lights and spend the evening with neighbors. The St. John Parish Anti-Crime Program would like to host a variety of special events such as cookouts, contests, youth activities and anti-crime rallies within the community. If you would like to help organize one of these events, please call Judy Songy at (504) 651-0021 .

Member Services

The Anti-Crime Program needs your help. If you are willing to take a major step to ensure the safety of your family, join the ranks of the Program.

United We Stand

The Anti-Crime Program's effort this year is to create a safer River Parish region. The Anti-Crime organization wants to expand in strength by increasing the number of community members involved in the organization. We are only as effective as we appear to be before the eyes of the criminal element. Anti-Crime Programs are up and running in many cities across the nation. However, the crime statistics are staggering.

Getting people involved in community action to prevent crime is a necessary step. We can no longer depend on government to solve our community problems, but we have to take on the task ourselves and take responsibility for the events that happen in our neighborhoods. It is vital that we address the volatile and violent situations often facing America's youth. The Anti-Crime Program will provide alternatives for our kids so that they can avoid and evade criminal situations.

Thank you to those who have helped promote the St. John Parish Anti-Crime Program because they believe in what we are doing. We hope that we continue to get the support of the community.

Anyone who wants to work with the Anti-Crime Program is asked to contact Judy Songy, (504) 651-0021.

Just a Reminder

Please bring at least one community member with you to the next St. John Parish Anti-Crime Program meeting scheduled June 26, 1997 at Bull's Corner Restaurant, 1036 Airline Hwy., LaPlace, LA. There is strength in numbers, so do what you can to help us promote the mission of the Anti-Crime Program. Spread the word in your community and do what you can to help promote safety in your area.

A Special Thank YOU!

Thank you for supporting us through your efforts to spread the word of the anti-crime task program.

Don't Forget...

All Anti-Crime Program meetings are scheduled every Thursday at 6:00 p.m., Bull's Corner Restaurant in LaPlace. Mark your calendars and remind your neighbors.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW
ABOUT THE ANTI-CRIME PROGRAM

Who are we:

The St. John Parish Anti-Crime Program is a non-profit community organization organized by the St. John Business Association, and supported by the St. John Parish Sheriff's office.. The Anti-Crime Program is headquartered in the LaPlace area.

What we do...

The Anti-Crime Program's overall mission is to promote community responsibility for the safety of the River Parishes through anti-crime programs. Our overall goal is to implement programs that will benefit our kids, our parents, the elderly and our community as a whole. We aim to create a safe and secure community of neighbors who care about the well-being of those around them.

What is the Anti-Crime Program

Fighting the criminals to the bitter end is what an anti-crime program is equipped to do. The Anti-Crime Program is the assembly of an organization of individuals who want to take back their community from the criminal elements who hunt the unprotected, the humble and unsuspecting individuals who are not able to fight back. The program provides an opportunity for residents of the River Parishes to develop a system to combat the criminal elements who plague our communities with drugs, prey on our children and rob us of our worldly possessions and sometimes our loved ones.

Who gets involved in the Anti-Crime Program.

Community leaders, parents, professionals, educators, house wives, laborers and all persons interested in maintaining a safe environment for their kids, grandkids, families and friends.

Our Motto ...

"Working Together for a nurturing, safe and supportive community. "

The St. John Parish Anti-Crime Program News letter is published monthly. Views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the Program. Letters to the editor and perspective columns must concern articles published in the newsletter, and may be edited for clarity or space. Articles submitted should be sent to 135 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace, LA, 70068. Submissions should concern crime or community issues.

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