The Magnolia State Peace Officers Association recognized the Lafayette Police Department for its recent efforts and commitment to diversify the police department at its 2018 annual awards luncheon in Alexandria on Friday.
When Interim Chief of Police Reginald Thomas took over the department in January of 2016, the department’s percentage of minority officers was at 11%, stated Cpl. Karl Ratcliff, spokesman for the department. Recruitment efforts and a continued priority focus by both Deputy Chief Thomas and Chief Aguillard have brought the percentage of minority officers up to 22% currently.
The Lafayette Police Department is looking for qualified candidates with college, military, and/or prior law enforcement to apply for a job. Minorities such as women, African-Americans, Hispanics, and those of the Islamic faith should know that they are welcome to apply, according to Cpl. Karl Ratcliff, spokesman for the department.
"The goal of our recruitment efforts has been to create an increasingly diverse police force that is representative of our city," said Chief Toby J. Aguillard. "Diversity is now something that officers at all levels of the department think about, realize the importance of, and strive to improve."
Anyone interested in accepting the challenge of becoming a Lafayette Police Officer should contact the recruiting office at 337 291-8663.
"Every child who is raised in Lafayette should be able to look at their police department and see an officer who looks like they do," said Chief Aguillard.
