The Lafayette Police Department participated in a Community Trust Walk tonight.

This was the third walk of this year.

The walk took place in the North Bienville neighborhoods near North St. Antoine Street.

Corporal Karl Ratcliff says this is a collaborative effort between officers and leaders to be able to get out into the community to hear concerns neighbors may have and to be able to meet those needs directly.

“We’re here for them not just when things are bad, but also when things are good. If you have a concern, come out and talk to us… this is our chance to get out and kinda connect with people on a different level so we’re excited about it and glad to do it,” Cpl. Ratcliff.

School supplies, backpacks, and even box fans were some of the items handed out.

One resident, Jolana Willis, says “I think it’s really sweet and nice that they would take their time out of the day and hand school supplies out to kids.”

Cpl. Ratcliff says, “These types of events are what we like to do.. to get out and it’s a way for us to like I said.. communicate and to reach the community on a different level and kinda bridge that gap.”

“What’s some of the stuff the officers gave?”

“Some notebooks and some folders and some crayons because coloring never gets old,” adds Willis. “Just want to say thank you to them because it’s really sweet what they’re doing.”