In a KLFY News 10 Exclusive interview, Lafayette Police Chief Judith Estorge tackled the tough questions about high-crime areas and whether those areas are sufficiently patrolled. 

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- In a KLFY News 10 exclusive interview, Lafayette Police Chief Judith Estorge tackled the tough questions about high-crime areas and whether those areas are sufficiently patrolled. 

Estorge says the department staffing sits at about the national average, although they still have a shortage of 8-10%, with the total staffing allotment for the LPD at 309 positions.  The chief noted that recruitment and technology are indispensable tools.

"We are probably about 10% short and we're working aggressively with our recruiters to get more people on board," Estorage explained.

The Patrol Division Commander, Major Royce Starring joined News 10 for the walk-through. 

"I wouldn't say we are understaffed. We have the same amount of people that we had, we just added more positions," Starring said.

When asking about the number of staff for the individual precincts, News 10 was told that giving the number of staff per precinct and shift would be a security risk. Estroge iterated that no precinct stands alone regardless of staffing.

"We also have a slew of officers that work off-duty security. We had an incident recently where an officer was working at the MLK Center and there was a 'man with a gun' call. That officer responded to that incident. He wasn't on patrol, he was working a detail off-duty and he responded. We have that across the city every day and every night," Estorge explained.

To bolster recruitment efforts the chief implemented a program called "Interview Now." When asked about the Community Walks and if the LPD walks elbow-to-elbow with other local agencies, Estroge said the invitation is always extended to other agencies.

"We invite the sheriff's department, the city marshal's office, and community leaders across the city," Estroge said.

Estroge says they need the community's help. If you see it, call it in. That's how law enforcement can get ahead of an issue in particular area.

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