(Correction: The City of Carencro ranks #8)

Acadiana municipalities have been named among the top 20 Safest Cities in Louisiana. 

To identify the twenty safest cities in Louisiana, SafeWise reviewed 2016 FBI crime reports and population data. 

Breaux Bridge ranked #16.

Police Chief Rollie Cantu says the report speaks volumes about the officers behind the badge.

Cantu says his officers understand the importance of being seen in the community. “They see all these units all over town and they’re saying look at all these policemen here,”  Chief Cantu said.

Cantu believes it takes more than just being visible. There has to be community trust. “Visibility and public relationships; talk to the people.  You will be surprised what people see; what goes on in their neighborhoods,” Cantu explained.
    
City of Scott ranked #2

Police Chief Chad Leger says for the last six years, his department has ranked in various spots between second place and eighth place.

The recent report for the chief proves the checks and balances are on par. “We can say where we think we are. We can say we’re the safest and we feel that we’re the safest; but when an independent company comes in and says you’re the safest second city in the State of Louisiana again… that goes a long way,” Chief Leger said.

Plus, the chief says recruitment plays a key role in creating an effective police force. “We’ll work short handed on-the-road before we hire someone who doesn’t fit our city; and just to say we have a warm body in the car patrolling the streets,” Leger explained.

According to SafeWise, cities that fell below identified population thresholds or that failed to submit a complete crime report to the FBI were excluded from the ranking system.

“People are getting tired.  People are starting to get involved,” Cantu added.

For information on the report click here.