JUDITH ESTORGE CONFIRMED EARLY AS LAFAYETTE POLICE CHIEF

Lafayette, LA – Mayor-President Josh Guillory has confirmed Judith Estorge as Chief of the Lafayette Police Department (LPD), effective August 1, 2023, three months before completing her 12-month probationary period.

Appointed to the position of chief on November 1, 2022, early confirmation solidifies Estorge’s position as the city’s first female police chief and reinforces Mayor-President Guillory’s vote of confidence in her ability to lead the agency. “Over the past nine months I’ve worked closely with Chief Estorge, and she’s earned my respect and admiration,” Guillory said. “I’m confident in her abilities to lead the Lafayette Police Department and serve Lafayette. She has earned the respect of the force and the community.”

Since taking office, Estorge has led an aggressive community relations campaign to gain stronger ties with the citizens of Lafayette. Under her direction, LPD has implemented a citizen’s academy, reinstated the department’s chaplain program, held neighborhood walks, and has supported several other community events. “It’s a blessing to finally be confirmed, and I’m honored to have the confidence of the Mayor-President,” said Estorge. “I’m committed to community policing and officers being properly trained and equipped to do their job. I’m always encouraged by the words of Gandhi...‘Be the change you wish to see in the world.’” 

Estorge was born and raised in Lafayette and attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL) where she studied Criminal Justice. She has been a member of LPD since 1993 and has served as patrol officer, traffic motor officer, detective in the Criminal Investigative Division, Precinct 3 sergeant, watch commander, and precinct captain.

Moving forward, Estorge will work on initiatives to improve the department through the recruitment and retention of qualified individuals and has plans to provide officers with more expertise and support when dealing with people who may be experiencing mental illness or other behavioral health crises.