LAFAYETTE POLICE CHIEF SEARCH ADVANCES WITH PANEL ANNOUNCEMENT

Lafayette, LA – The search for Lafayette’s next Chief of Police has reached a significant milestone following action taken by the Lafayette Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board during a public meeting held this morning, January 29, 2025. The Board authorized the approval of scores for the Police Chief civil service exams, a key step in advancing the selection process.

With this development, the list of qualifying candidates—determined by the Louisiana Office of State Examiner based on exam passage—will be provided to the administration. The next steps in the process include preliminary background screenings, followed by interviews conducted by Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet and a panel made up of respected community leaders and members of the Lafayette City Council.

The interview panel will play an integral role in assessing candidates beyond their qualifications, focusing on leadership capabilities, public safety strategies, and their vision for the future of the Lafayette Police Department. The panel members are:

• Marshal Reggie Thomas
• Mark Guidry, local businessman
• Pastor Bobby Richard
• Annie Spell, Ph.D.
• Pastor Deborah Young
• City Council Chair Kenneth Boudreaux
• City Council Vice Chair Liz Hebert
• City Councilman Elroy Broussard
• City Councilman Thomas Hooks
• City Councilman Andy Naquin
  

Mayor-President Boulet reaffirmed her commitment to a fair and thorough search process, emphasizing the importance of selecting a leader who will bring stability and strong leadership to the Lafayette Police Department. “The interview panel’s diverse perspectives will be invaluable in ensuring we find the best candidate to lead the department and Lafayette forward,” said Boulet. 

The final selection of Lafayette’s Chief of Police remains on track to be announced by the end of Q1 2025.

###