In response to the recent spate of shootings in the area, more than 150 students, community leaders and church members participated in a parade focused on awareness of violence in Lake Charles.

Police Chief Don Dixon recently confirmed that crime overall is on the rise in the city. He said in July it’s the most shootings within a short span that he can remember in more than a decade as police chief.

Burglaries are up 9 percent to 10 percent this year, and Dixon said crime always rises when school is out, but with money, business and workers pouring into the area, crime is certain to come as well.

The billions of dollars in economic development en route to Southwest Louisiana could bring more crime, and we must stay ahead of the game.

The Lake Charles Police Department’s annual crime report, released in May, showed a 4 percent increase in crime in 2013, although the numbers were still lower than 2007, when crime hit a 10-year peak.

The pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church said the parade that began at Huber Park and ended with a rally at the Civic Center was aimed at confronting any and all alarming trends that threaten the community.

The parade, titled Return in Prayer, or RIP, was tied with a back-to-school theme, so that students can be aware of church activities after school to get children off the streets.

Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach said it was important for him to attend and support the members of the community who are concerned about the shootings in recent weeks.

The event was also validated by a proclamation by Roach that was presented to organizers, recognizing the event and the significance of the day.

This type of proactive initiative by community members is a step in the right direction. It’s important to show our young people that there area alternatives violence. There were two hearses in the middle of the parade as a reminder of those who have lost their lives because of violent crimes. It’s an awakening visual of what the result of violent crimes can be.(MGNonline)