Statistics released tonight by the New Iberia Police Department show crime rates in the city are down.
The report, presented at tonight's city council meeting, show a 52 percent decrease in property crimes and a 40 percent drop in violent crime numbers.
Among violent crimes, the amount of sexual assault reportedly increased by 60 percent. In 2018, the department reported five sexual assaults; in 2019, eight were reported. Seven of those eight were solved.
The department reported 16 shootings in 2019, which was a decrease of 61 percent from 2018, when police reported 41.
Armed robberies and homicide numbers also decreased.
Percentages of burglaries in the city showed a drop as well, with vehicle burglaries showing the greatest decrease of 62 percent.
The NIPD reported 29,093 calls for service in 2019, up 2,469 calls from the previous year.
Mayor Freddie Decourt believes the numbers show a strengthened relationship between citizens and city officials.
"I think that is a reflection of that community policing philosophy and that level of trust we've earned in the community."
Tonight's numbers represent the department's first full calendar year in office. The department returned to the city on July 1, 2018, after a 14-year absence.
