Iberia prepares to take a bite out of crime
The city's police chief and mayor say their efforts to crack down on drugs may have been what led vandals to retaliate by spray painting obscenities and drug-related symbols and slogans on a number of businesses, residences and the small town's water storage tank.
The destruction took place earlier this month, but it didn't sway the city's position. Instead, they have chosen to step up efforts by adding to the police force.
Just a day after vandals left their mark, the city council gave the go ahead for $5,000 to equip the police department with a drug dog and the training to go along with it.
It was already on the city's agenda for discussion and is likely what caused the vandals to send a message to officials that they weren't happy, Iberia Mayor Jack Hogue said.
"The drug task force and county are doing all they can, but we are lucky enough to have a council that is very proactive," he said. "They see what is going on and they are going to give the police chief and his officers the tools they need to get rid of it. You can never eliminate it all, but we believe by taking a stand on it, we can improve our community and the county."
On Sunday, March 2, residents in the town of roughly 700 woke up to the sight of painted references to illegal substances and messages such as "FTW," and "FTW and the police," derogatory term used to show a blatant disrespect for authority. They struck a handful of businesses across town, painting garage doors and walls, and even damaging parked vehicles.
The town came together, diligent about cleaning it up and finding out who did it, Hogue said. While he couldn't comment on the ongoing investigation, Hogue said he was confident an arrest would be made in the future.
It wasn't just the possibility of getting a drug dog that may have set them off, he said. The town hosted a drug awareness class a couple of weeks ago, something that hadn't taken place in a while.
Like any other community at the lake, Iberia has to deal with its fair share of drug-related incidents, police chief Andy Long said.
Marijuana, methamphetamine and illegal use of prescription drugs are most prevalent, he said, but it doesn't appear the numbers are on the rise.
Long said he is not sure how long it will take to have the dog in place, but it is "at the top of our list for priorities."
Most of the time, the dog will be in the hands of the chief. As a backup, the city administrator will also receive training on how to handle the dog, Long said.
Contact this reporter at charisp@lakesunleader.com