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ST. CHARLES PARISH, La. – In a significant achievement, Sheriff Greg Champagne proudly announced that St. Charles Parish has achieved a record low crime rate in 2023, marking a 28-year milestone. These statistics, documented through the Uniformed Crime Reporting (U.C.R.) system, showcase the community’s dedication to safety and crime prevention.

The U.C.R. system, mandated nationally by the F.B.I., tracks crime across seven major categories, including murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft, and auto theft. From January to December 2023, the total number of crimes reported under the U.C.R. fell from 1280 in 2022 to 1104 in 2023, representing a notable 13.75% decrease.

A breakdown of the crime categories reveals positive changes from 2022 to 2023:

Crime Category	2022	2023	Percentage Change
Murder	6	5	-16.67% decrease
Rape	3	5	66.67% increase
Robbery	22	11	50% decrease
Assault	544	512	-5.88% decrease
Burglary	126	78	-38.1% decrease
Theft	499	439	-12.02% decrease
Auto Theft	80	54	-32.5% decrease

Sheriff Champagne attributes the low crime rate to a combination of factors. He commends the well-trained and dedicated law enforcement personnel, emphasizing their commitment to crime prevention and apprehension. Additionally, technology, social media, and collaboration with the District Attorney’s office contribute to effective prosecution and imprisonment of repeat offenders.

Community outreach programs, such as DARE, School Resource Officers, Eat on the Beat, Summer Camps, and initiatives from the Juvenile Programs Division, have played a crucial role in building positive relationships with young residents, preventing crime in the long run.

Sheriff Champagne expressed gratitude for citizen involvement, highlighting the community’s cooperation in providing information about suspicious behavior and potential crime. He emphasized that this level of collaboration sets St. Charles Parish apart from other areas.

While celebrating the achievement, Sheriff Champagne urged residents not to become complacent. He emphasized the importance of vigilance, securing belongings, and maintaining an active role in crime prevention. Many reported thefts were linked to unlocked vehicles and valuables left unattended.

The Sheriff concluded by acknowledging the team effort involved in maintaining a safe community. He reassured residents that the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office remains committed to providing high-quality law enforcement services. With continued collaboration and vigilance, the community can sustain its reputation as one of the best and safest places to live, work, and play in South Louisiana.