LIVING IN FEAR OF DRUG CRIME ISN'T LIVING

The Issue: Drug Activity Crackdown.

We suggest: Residents deserve it.

A recent crackdown on drug traffic in Terrebonne Parish prompted some
residents to express their appreciation to police for the effort.

But that appreciation was expressed anonymously -- for fear of retaliation
from the drug dealers. It's a shame those citizens feel so threatened by
their environment. Steps must be taken to improve that situation;
fortunately, it seems authorities are working on the problem. Daniel Turner
Trailer Park, a mobile home court on Houma's east side, is known for being
a location of drug activity. In recent years, that activity has been
overflowing the boundaries of that trailer park and impacting the quality
of life for nearby residents. Some say that except for going to church and
on shopping excursions, they remain indoors to shield themselves from drug
activity and gunfire.

It is appalling that anyone would have to live in a neighborhood where drug
activity runs rampant and gunfire is a common sound that cuts through the
night air. No one should have to live in an area where they fear walking
outside their home. And it's incredible to realize that type of environment
exists in Houma, which has a low crime rate.

No matter how low the crime rate, the day an innocent bystander -- say,
someone's grandmother or a young child -- dies in the crossfire from a drug
deal gone awry will be the day incredible pressure will be placed upon
local officials to make changes in that and other crime-ridden
neighborhoods. We sincerely hope that we do not experience such a tragedy.
But it's obvious some people feel the danger level in their neighborhood
has already reached that level.

Along with the residents from the area around Daniel Turner Trailer Park,
we applaud the efforts to crack down on drug activity. We understand it is
part of an ongoing effort, and we implore law enforcement authorities to
continue applying pressure to these drug dealers.

We also encourage residents of crime-ridden areas to continue giving tips
to authorities. Police need citizens' help to effectively reduce drug
activity. They can keep citizens' names confidential; that guarantee is
important and police must be vigilant in their efforts to protect the
citizens who are courageously giving them needed information about these
types of activities. By working together, the crime level can be reduced
and the quality of life improved.

For some, the day will be great when they are no longer afraid to spend
time outside their homes. Flower gardening should not be a life-threatening
activity. With a joint effort between citizens and law enforcement, it
doesn't have to be.