When it comes to crime statistics, some people think it tells the whole story. For others, they either feel safe or they don’t.

Some people are very happy with our job performance. And still, some say “crime is out of control.”

At the end of every year, a statistical comparison is made to determine if the seven major categories of crime are lower or higher  than the previous year or years.

Today, the preliminary crime statistics for 2017 compared to 2016 are very encouraging. Those official numbers for SJSO will be made public sometime next week.

Some citizens feel like speeders, stop sign violators, handicapped parking violators or shopping carts being taken from the business where they belong means that “crime is out of control.”

By the way, those businesses refuse to press charges for shopping cart removal.

On the other hand, we get plenty tips on narcotics dealings, wanted individuals (even if it’s a traffic ticket and especially if it’s a deadbeat dad) or wanted persons of interest in more serious violations.

You can see billboards around the parish asking citizens to “Help us help you!.”

Multiple law enforcement agencies including our neighboring sheriffs are making a strong push to create more awareness and asking citizens to secure their valuables and vehicles.

Leaving valuables in plain view or leaving your vehicles unlocked continues to be a chronic problem throughout the region.

The partnership between our residents and our department on a scale of 0 to 10 is at an 8 in my opinion! Please keep the tips coming!

Our partnership has some room for improvement, but it’s come a very long way in the past five years.

A strong partnership and trust in your sheriff’s office will only make our parish safer and improve the quality of life in St. John Parish.

I pledge to continue to develop that trust and build upon that partnership.

Please stay connected directly to us by downloading our APP on your android or iPhone by going to stjohnsheriff.org and click on the icon, or be our friend on Facebook for accurate information.

In the current age of social media, so much inaccurate information along with amateur opinions get spread really far, really fast — sometimes so fast that the facts get lost in the world wide web of sharing, forwarding and re-tweeting.

I personally guarantee transparency in all SJSO activities that do not violate HIPPA regulations or jeopardize a current and ongoing investigation.

The goal for 2018 will be CONSISTENCY!

Every day I ask myself and members of the department, “What can we do better?”

Are we moving in a positive direction in the fight against crime? Absolutely!

At St. John Sheriff’s Office we have a powerful, highly trained and truly committed group of men and women ready and willing to protect and serve.

Lastly, the SJSO Officer of the Year Ceremony will be held on Thursday/Jan. 18 at Regala Gym in Reserve.

This event is FREE and open to the public. However, you must pick up your free admission tickets at the Sheriff’s Office information window.

This helps with the head count for proper preparation.

Happy New Year St. John!  I look forward to continuing to serve!

Mike Tregre is sheriff of St. John the Baptist Parish. Reach him at sheriff@stjohnsheriff.org.