Lafayette Reporter

Lafayette, LA – Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet has announced a partnership with the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Lafayette Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. This collaboration aims to enhance public safety and ensure the highest standards in tactical operations for the Lafayette Police Department.

The NTOA, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, is known for its mission to improve the performance and professional status of law enforcement personnel. With over 40,000 members worldwide and a history of providing credible training resources, the NTOA is well-equipped to assist Lafayette in evaluating and strengthening its SWAT team’s capabilities.

The assessment will focus on aligning critical incident policies and tactical procedures with current practices and standards, reinforcing the Lafayette Police Department's role as a leading law enforcement agency in the community.

“Since January, we have responded to numerous mutual-aid requests and are often looked to by other agencies for leadership in critical situations, all of which reinforces our need for an in-depth review of our current practices across the board,” said Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet. “It’s important we highlight what we’re doing well and remember there are always opportunities to get better. This partnership is just that – a chance to improve, learn, and grow stronger as a community and as a department. Don Kester’s work as NTOA Director of Training is quite impressive, and I’m as excited as our guys are to bring in the best in the country for SWAT training.”

Lafayette Police Department Interim Chief Paul Trouard added, “This collaboration with the NTOA is a crucial moment for our department. We’re not only improving our operations but are also reaffirming our dedication to serving and protecting our community at the highest level. Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette was a testament to that dedication – may we honor him in raising the bar and continuing to grow.”

The assessment will be an extensive external evaluation of the LPD SWAT team, expected to take four to five months. The process will include:

- A comprehensive review of SWAT operations manual and agency policies related to SWAT use.

- An examination of training procedures and mission planning.

- A detailed analysis of after-action reporting and tactical operations.

Findings and recommendations will be delivered in a detailed report, providing a roadmap for improved operations. The Boulet Administration alongside the Lafayette Police Department remains committed to being accountable and proactive, learning from past experiences to build a stronger future for Lafayette.

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