Murder Rate Cut In Half In Lafayette
The latest statistics from the Lafayette Police Department concerning the amount of murders in the city are out, and they show a 50 percent reduction in the amount of homicides.
While the year has not ended yet, Lafayette Police Chief Toby Aguillard says there have been twelve homicides this year, and eleven of the cases have been solved.
Last year, there were twenty-four homicides.
Aguillard says the people of the community is one of the major reasons for the drop in crime. He says their commitment to ending violence has led to cooperative efforts to stop violence.
The Chief says the partnerships that have been created by residents, civic groups, community leaders and police have driven the numbers down.
He also adds that problem solving combined with community policing also get the credit for lower numbers.
Chief Aguillard says,
"As the year comes to a close, it's encouraging to be able to report less violent crime occurring in Lafayette, and it makes us hopeful for a bright future."
He adds that their commitment will continue,
"Clearly there is more work that needs to be done, but we at the Lafayette Police Department are proud of the progress being made, and we look forward to continuing to work with our community to improve quality of life for all."