That’s about to change, though, as the organization will soon be erecting a billboard on U.S. 61 between River Parishes Hospital and East St. John High School. In addition, L’Observateur will begin publishing public service announcements to help make the community aware of the organization’s presence.
Darlene Cusanza, executive director of the Crimestoppers program that serves eight parishes in the region — Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, St. John the Baptist, St. Charles, Plaquemines, and St. James parishes.
 Darlene Cusanza |
“We don’t ask for your name,” she told them. “We don’t want to know your name … we don’t have caller ID.”
Cusanza said one reason Crimestoppers, begun in Albuquerque, N.M. in Sept. 1976, is successful is the fact the program doesn’t require the identity of those who provide information.
“It’s a layer to help protect the person,” she said. “If no one ever knows the identity, there can be no retaliation or retribution.”
While one billboard will soon go up, St. John Sheriff Wayne Jones said more are needed.
“We need at least six total,” he said, adding that “with the economy the way it is, you’d think some of these sign companies would be willing to help out.”
Jones said he would “work on” getting some more locations for signs.
Comments
Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All readers comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The L'Observateur is not liable for messages from third parties.
DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
* Comments unrelated to the story.
Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in The L'Observateur reader comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of L'Observateur. L'Observateur does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized L'Observateur spokespersons.
Thank you for your comments!