LAFAYETTE, La. ( KLFY ) — In Lafayette, the city’s park police detail is listed as a project. Officials say that Lafayette City Deputy Marshals will soon handle the job.
Four years ago, the park police detail in the city of Lafayette was cut from the budget. Even the former park police chief held onto hope that it would re-emerge.
“I think this administration will make a plan to dot their eyes and cross their tees before they do anything. I have that much confidence,” former Park Police Chief Oscar Benoit said.
Kenneth Boudreaux, City Council vice-chair and finance chair, said the approved capital dollars are for start-up costs but not to re-establish park police as it was previously.
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“To reinstate or re-establish park police, that’s not what’s happening because that seems like we are about to hire a Chief of Park Police like they had previously and all its members. No,” Boudreaux said.
So, there won’t be any park police under the Lafayette Consolidated Government. Reportedly, the City Marshal has agreed to take on some responsibilities to provide policing services within city parks.