Lafayette Reporter

Lafayette Consolidated Government has announced the reinstatement of the Lafayette Park Police in collaboration with the Lafayette City Marshal’s Office. This initiative aims to boost public safety, increase police visibility, and strengthen community relations across Lafayette's parks and recreational facilities.

The newly established City Marshal’s Parks Patrol Division will cover 30 parks and 10 recreation centers, focusing on addressing immediate concerns and ensuring a safe environment for residents and visitors. The operation will include daily patrols by commissioned officers to reinforce law enforcement presence in community spaces.

“Our parks are a vital part of our community, and ensuring public safety throughout Lafayette is a top priority,” said Lafayette Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet. “By enhancing police visibility and re-establishing a dedicated Parks Patrol Division, we are taking proactive steps to maximize resources, address community concerns, and ensure our parks remain safe, welcoming spaces we can all enjoy.”

Initially, the Parks Patrol Division will comprise four deputies commissioned by the Marshal’s Office. These deputies will have arresting authority and receive training to meet Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (POST) qualifications. This setup also allows more officers from the Lafayette Police Department to patrol city streets.

Substations will be located at key sites such as Martin Luther King Recreation Center (Dorsey Park), Girard Recreation Center (Girard Park), and Comeaux Recreation Center (Beaullieu Park). These locations will help deputies respond efficiently to incidents while using existing spaces for reporting needs. The Marshal’s Office will manage event security for smaller park functions, allowing the Lafayette Police Department to focus on larger events.

Lafayette City Marshal Reggie Thomas highlighted the partnership's significance: “This collaboration allows us to continue building trust within our community. By joining forces with the Lafayette Police Department, we can ensure our residents feel safe and supported in our parks, knowing there will be no tolerance for crime.”

Initial funding from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will cover start-up costs like equipment, training, uniforms, and marked vehicles equipped with lights and technology for park operations. The City of Lafayette will oversee ongoing salaries and benefits for officers while the Marshal's Office manages other expenses including continuous training aligned with CALEA standards.

The implementation timeline aligns with the FY2024-2025 budget starting November 1, 2024. It includes recruiting POST-certified officers followed by six weeks of comprehensive training. Event security management transition is planned by November with full patrol operations expected in January 2025.

Recruitment for the Lafayette Parks Patrol Division is open through the Lafayette City Marshal’s Office at lafayettemarshal.com.