LAPLACE – Law enforcement agencies in St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes were among seven non-profits in South Louisiana to receive more than $40,000 in grants from the South Central Safe Community Partnership to help address road safety issues.

The St. James Sheriff’s Office and the St. John District Attorney’s Office received grants along with the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council for South Louisiana, Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office, Nicholls State University, Lady of the Sea General Hospital and the Bayou Region Motorcycle Awareness Campaign. The grants were awarded to help the agencies address alcohol and drug-impaired driving and occupant protection.

The St. James Sheriff’s Office is getting a $9,408 grant to help deputies continue their campaign on occupant protection enforcement. The Sheriff’s Office uses patrol officers to educate violating motorists and enforce proper seatbelt use.

The St. John District Attorney’s Office is making use of $2,500 to further its “Get High on Life” program of DWI and substance abuse classes. Classes will be held Monday through Wednesday nights.

As per the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s requirement, the agencies receiving grants are expected to implement their proposed undertakings between Jan. 3 and Sept. 16, 2011. Grant contracts are now in finalization and will be ready for signing after the holidays.

At the partnership meeting, Greg Hood of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council and Capt. Craig Poche of the St. James Sheriff’s Office were elected as Chair and Vice Chair of the South Central Safe Community Partnership, respectively.