Statistics released from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office show crime in the parish was down in 2012.

Sheriff Newell Normand said 2012 had the lowest crime rate in decades.

Jefferson had 33 murders in 2012, down from 49 in 2011. Overall crime dropped 4.8 percent in 2012 over 2011 to it's the lowest rate since 1974.

Normand cited a nationwide drop in crime, but also credited citizen tips and cooperation for the decrease.

He said boots on the ground and quality-of-life programs are another key.

"Our officers give a damn," Normand told WWL-TV. "They put themselves at risk each and every day. This is a testament of their hard work, and I cannot tell you how incredibly proud I am of this organization as a whole."

Normand said initiatives started decades ago, like community policing, have led to a steady decline in crime. He also said there is a concerted effort to make sure felons don't have firearms.