Recently, Aaron Mitchell, Sabine Parish Sheriff, and Cheryl Wooley, Many Police Chief joined together with their officers, deputies, School Resource Officers, detectives, and K-9 units and youth from around the Parish to make it clear they are committed to keeping our children and youth safe. The Sabine Prevention Alliance (SPA) brought these groups together to join with students from the Parish to take pictures that will be featured on signs in areas where children and youth gather for recreation.
When asked why she wanted to partner with the SPA, Many Police Chief Cheryl Wooley said, “If we don’t have a safe, productive generation of kids and youth, then this community has no future. It’s vitally important that we help provide a safe environment and opportunities for them to thrive.”
The mission of the Sabine Prevention Alliance is to reduce underage drinking through communication and cooperation with various community members in the Parish. Each fiscal year, based on the most recent data, the SPA develops and revises an action plan to work toward its goals and mission.
One of this year’s environmental strategies is to work with and support local and parish law enforcement agencies to implement compliance checks with local alcohol vendors, conduct party patrols to monitor outdoor youth parties, provide sobriety checkpoints during high-risk times and create safe spaces for children, youth and families to recreate.
Aaron Mitchell said, “As Sheriff of Sabine Parish, I am fully vested and committed to ensure an environment that will keep our youth safe, because the youth in our communities now will be the leaders of our Parish in the future.”
A grant will pay for signs that depict our law enforcement agencies providing a safe space for our children and youth. These signs will send a clear message that our parks and recreational areas are Safe Zones where alcohol, drugs and any other high-risk behaviors are not tolerated. Phone numbers to report any violations will be provided on the signs so our citizens can join in the work of keeping our children and youth safe, sober, and successful.
James Wagley, Coalition Coordinator for SPA said, “Sabine Prevention Alliance is grateful to our Law Enforcement and other community sectors that show care, concern and responsibility for the safety and support of your children and youth. Together we can build a strong continuum of care for our youth.”
For more information on how you can assist in this community-wide effort, call or text 318-315-0081, go to Facebook / Sabine Prevention Alliance, http://www.sabineprevents.com or visit the SPA Office at 259 Fisher Rd. Many, La 71449.
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