LAFAYETTE PARISH — Efforts to bring the Lafayette Park Police unit back could be in the works, as Mayor-President Monique Boulet’s office calls it a priority.
The Lafayette Park Police previously provided surveillance for the city’s 36 parks and 10 recreation centers. Jeff Abshier says he understands the need for a police presence.
“I like to play at odd hours at night, so I’ll be here at 11 or sometimes just playing some disc golf,” said Abshier.
In 2020, the entire Lafayette Park Police unit was dismantled due to budget cuts.
Mayor-President Monique Boulet’s office says her administration is working on solutions. In a statement to KATC, Boulet’s office said there is no definite timeline for when the park police will be reinstated, but it is a priority.
As talks continue, Kenneth Boudreaux, District 5 City Council member, says there is a process.
“If we want that, first we have to identify funding because those positions were completely eliminated and taken out of the budget, so they no longer exist. The positions need to be created, and once they are created, they would need to be funded,” said Boudreaux.
With the abolishment of the unit, Boudreaux says officers from the Lafayette Police Department and other agencies have had to help during times of trouble at the parks. He says despite talks over the years, nothing has been confirmed.
"The other option is that we blend it into an already established police department, like the Lafayette Police Department, the Lafayette City Marshals, or the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office.”
Boudreaux says several options will be discussed at Tuesday night's city council meeting, but reinstating the unit will take time and planning.
