Lafayette extends search, hikes pay for police chief, hopes to attract more applicants
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- The City of Lafayette is extending its search for a new Chief of Police, and also raising the starting pay for the position, according to a Wednesday news release from the city.
The newly adopted salary range is $150,000 to $170,000 for fiscal year 2024-25. Previously, the job paid $135,000.
The city said it intends to "broaden the recruitment process and promote the new compensation package aligning with industry standards and reflective of the responsibilities associated with serving a community of Lafayette’s size and complexity."
“We are focused on putting someone in place for the long-term,” Mayor-President Monique Boulet said in the release. “We’ve been through quite a bit of turmoil over the last few years, our community needs a solid, fair and healthy process in selecting our next police chief.”
The administration has collected and implemented best practices from the Police Executive Research Forum and is officially under contract for continued support of the selection process, officials said.
Applications must be submitted by Oct. 23. Current applicants are asked to resubmit their applications for official purposes.
Detailed information about the position, including qualifications, can be found in the Chief of Police profile here or the formal job description here. Applicants must first meet the required steps and expectations of the Lafayette Fire and Police Civil Service Board and the Office of State Examiner before proceeding to the Review Committee and Mayoral interviews.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume, a cover letter and professional references to applicant@lafayettela.gov. Include “Lafayette Chief of Police” in the job interest subject line.