Law enforcement officers in Opelousas are hoping to bridge the gap between officers and the community.
Today, a family-fun day was held at North City Park. Police, pastors, and families gathered in the park.
The free event offered food, entertainment, and, most importantly, comradery. The goal is to generate support for anti-crime efforts by getting the community on a personal level with the officers who protect them.
Amore Andrus was there with his parents. “Whenever a lot of people come together and get to know one another, the world turns out different,” he said.
Opelousas Marshal Paul Mouton hosts family-fun events every several months.
St. Landry Parish District Attorney Earl Taylor said, “With this event, we build fellowships, we build partnerships, we build unity, and with unity, we’re going to be okay. ”
With many crime-related events in today’s time, the department feels like it’s a step in the right direction. Taylor added, “It doesn’t solve the issues, but it helps. If we believe and can trust each other, then we can join together when something is bad happening.”
Marshal Mouton said events like this allow them to love the children and teach parents.
“The police can’t do everything; the parents have to do their part. We deal with their children on the streets every day,” Mouton said.
