LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Lafayette Consolidated Government has announced the reinstatement of the Lafayette Park Police in partnership with the Lafayette City Marshal’s Office.

The new City Marshal’s Parks Patrol Division will encompass 30 parks and 10 recreation centers, according to a news release from LCG.

The budget of the former park police, part of the Lafayette Police Department, was cut in 2020, and the park police assigned to other duties. The park officers were commissioned officers who attended the police academy and received in-service training with the LPD.

The restructured operation will also provide daily patrol coverage with commissioned officers, according to Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet.

“Our parks are a vital part of our community, and ensuring public safety throughout Lafayette is a top priority,” Boulet said. “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.”

The Parks Patrol Division will initially consist of four deputies commissioned by the Marshal’s Office, providing them with arresting authority.

Substations will be established at key locations including the Martin Luther King Recreation Center (Dorsey Park), Girard Recreation Center (Girard Park), and Comeaux Recreation Center (Beaullieu Park). Additionally, the Marshal’s Office will manage event security for smaller functions at parks and recreation centers, allowing the Lafayette Police Department to focus on large-scale events.

Lafayette City Marshal Reggie Thomas emphasized the importance of this partnership.

“This collaboration allows us to continue building trust within our community," Thomas said. "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 for this initiative will come from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which will cover start-up expenses, including equipment, training, uniforms and marked vehicles equipped with lights, sirens, and technology to assist in park operations. The City of Lafayette will manage ongoing salary and benefits for the officers, while the Marshal's Office will handle other associated expenses, including continuous training, the release said.

The timeline for implementation coincides with the FY2024-2025 budget effective date Nov. 1, with a focus on certified officer recruitment followed by a 6-week training period. The stated goal is to also transition event security management by November, with full patrol operations expected to commence in January 2025, in time for the spring activities and summer programming.

Recruitment is now open through the Lafayette City Marshal’s Office. Please visit lafayettemarshal.com for more information.

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