Louisiana § 33:381 Municipal officers

Louisiana Statutes

§ 33:381 — Municipal officers

Louisiana § 33:381

Title 33Municipalities and Parishes

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Bluebook

La. Stat. Ann. § 33:381 (2026).

Text

§381. Municipal officers A. The officers of every municipality shall be a mayor, aldermen, a chief of police, a tax collector, and a clerk. B. The mayor and chief of police in all municipalities shall be elected at large. The clerk or chief of police may be a tax collector or assessor, if the board of aldermen so decides. Municipalities where the chief of police is appointed rather than elected as of August 1, 1970, may continue to operate with an appointive chief. C.

(1)(a)(i) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary, the chiefs of police of the town of St. Joseph, the village of Port Vincent, and the town of Waterproof shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the mayors and boards of aldermen of said village and towns.

(ii)A special election to fill the

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§381. Municipal officers
A. The officers of every municipality shall be a mayor, aldermen, a chief of police,
a tax collector, and a clerk.
B. The mayor and chief of police in all municipalities shall be elected at large. The
clerk or chief of police may be a tax collector or assessor, if the board of aldermen so
decides. Municipalities where the chief of police is appointed rather than elected as of
August 1, 1970, may continue to operate with an appointive chief.
C.(1)(a)(i) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary, the chiefs
of police of the town of St. Joseph, the village of Port Vincent, and the town of Waterproof
shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the mayors and boards of aldermen of
said village and towns.
(ii) A special election to fill the position of chief of police of the city of Oakdale
shall be held at the earliest opportunity after June 20, 1997, and in accordance with all other
applicable provisions of law. The appointed chief shall remain in office until the elected
chief is sworn in and takes office.
(b) However, no chief of police of each such city or town shall be appointed until the
end of the term of its chief of police serving in that capacity on the effective date of the Act
authorizing such appointment. The mayor and board of aldermen of each such city or town
shall establish the term of office and the salary of its appointed chief of police as they may
decide.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the board of aldermen
of the town of Logansport may, by majority vote, authorize the mayor to appoint the chief
of police. The first such appointment shall be made only upon the expiration of the term of
the incumbent chief of police, unless the office is vacant. The term of office of the chief of
police shall be concurrent with that of the appointing mayor and aldermen. The mayor and
board of aldermen shall set the salary of the appointed chief of police.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the board of aldermen
of the village of Napoleonville may, upon recommendation of the mayor, abolish the office
of chief of police of the village of Napoleonville or determine that said chief shall not be
elected at large but shall be appointed by the board upon recommendation of the mayor. No
such action by the board shall be effective until the end of the term of the police chief in
office at the time of that action. If the office of chief of police is abolished and the municipal
police department is abolished pursuant to R.S. 33:362(C), the mayor and board of aldermen
shall be further authorized to contract with or enter into any cooperative endeavor with any
law enforcement entity or officer within Assumption Parish for police services for said
village. If the office of chief of police is made appointive, the term of office and salary of
said chief shall be determined by the board of aldermen upon recommendation of the mayor.
(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the chief of police
of the town of Richwood shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the mayor
with the approval of the board of aldermen. The first such appointment shall be made at the
end of the term of the elected chief of police who is in office on October 27, 1988, except
that such appointment may be made immediately if the office of chief is vacant or filled by
an officer temporarily appointed as of the said date. The salary of the appointed chief of
police shall be established by the board of aldermen upon recommendation of the mayor.
The mayor and board of aldermen shall establish the duties and the term of office of the
appointed chief; however, such term of office shall be concurrent with that of the appointing
mayor and aldermen.
(5) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the chief of police
of the village of Plaucheville shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by majority
vote of the board of aldermen of said village. However, no such appointment shall be made
until the end of the term of the elected chief of police in office on July 5, 1989, unless that
office is vacant or filled by an officer temporarily appointed as of that date. The term of
office of the chief of police shall be concurrent with that of the appointing mayor and
aldermen. The mayor and board of aldermen shall set the salary of the appointed chief of
police.
(6) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the chief of police
of the village of Norwood shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by majority vote
of the board of aldermen of said village. However, no such appointment shall be made until
the end of the term of the elected chief of police in office on July 18, 1991, unless that office
is vacant or filled by an officer temporarily appointed as of that date. Such appointed chief
of police shall serve at the pleasure of the board of aldermen, and his salary and expenses
shall be determined by the board of aldermen. The board of aldermen shall prescribe, by
ordinance, the duties of said appointed chief of police; however, the mayor shall supervise
and direct the daily administration of the office of said chief in conformity with such
ordinance.
(7) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the chief of police
of the town of St. Francisville shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the
mayor and upon approval by majority vote of the board of aldermen of said town. However,
no such appointment shall be made until the end of the term of the elected chief of police in
office on July 1, 1992, unless that office is vacant or filled by an officer temporarily
appointed as of that date. The term of office of the chief of police shall be concurrent with
that of the appointing mayor and aldermen. The board of aldermen shall set the salary of the
chief of police upon recommendation of the mayor. The mayor and the board of aldermen
shall establish the duties and responsibilities of the chief of police. The chief of police shall
report directly to the mayor. The chief of police shall reside within the municipal limits of
said municipality.
(8) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the board of aldermen
of the village of Jamestown may, upon recommendation of the mayor, abolish the office of
chief of police of the village or determine that said chief shall not be elected at large but shall
be appointed by the board upon recommendation of the mayor. No such action by the board
shall be effective until the end of the term of the police chief in office at the time of that
action. If the office of chief of police is abolished and the municipal police department is
abolished pursuant to R.S. 33:362(C), the mayor and board of aldermen shall be further
authorized to contract with or enter into any cooperative endeavor with any law enforcement
entity or officer within Bienville Parish for police services for said village. If the office of
chief of police is made appointive, the term of office and salary of said chief shall be
determined by the board of aldermen upon recommendation of the mayor.
(9) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the board of aldermen
of the village of Castor may, upon recommendation of the mayor, abolish the office of chief
of police of the village or determine that said chief shall not be elected at large but shall be
appointed by the board upon recommendation of the mayor. No such action by the board
shall be effective until the end of the term of the police chief in office at the time of that
action. If the office of chief of police is abolished and the municipal police department is
abolished pursuant to R.S. 33:362(C), the mayor and board of aldermen shall be further
authorized to contract with or enter into any cooperative endeavor with any law enforcement
entity or officer within Bienville Parish for police services for said village. If the office of
chief of police is made appointive, the term of office and salary of said chief shall be
determined by the board of aldermen upon recommendation of the mayor.
(10) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the chief of police
of the town of Moreauville shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the mayor
upon approval by majority vote of the board of aldermen of said town. However, no such
appointment shall be effective until the end of the term of the chief of police in office at the
time of that action. The term of the chief of police shall be concurrent with that of the
appointing mayor and aldermen. The board of aldermen shall set the salary of the chief of
police upon recommendation of the mayor. The mayor and the board of aldermen shall
establish the duties and responsibilities of the chief of police. The chief of police shall report
directly to the mayor. The chief of police shall reside within the municipal limits of said
municipality.
(11) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the chief of police
of the village of Loreauville shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the mayor
and upon approval by majority vote of the board of aldermen of said village. However, no
such appointment shall be made until the end of the term of the elected chief of police in
office on July 1, 1997, unless that office is vacant or filled by an officer temporarily
appointed as of that date. The term of the chief of police shall be concurrent with that of the
appointing mayor and aldermen. The board of aldermen shall set the salary of the chief of
police upon recommendation of the mayor. The mayor and the board of aldermen shall
establish the duties and responsibilities of the chief of police. The chief of police shall report
directly to the mayor. The chief of police shall not have to reside within the municipal limits
of said municipality.
(12) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the chief of police
of the village of Oak Ridge shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by majority
vote of the board of aldermen of said village. Such appointed chief of police shall serve at
the pleasure of the board of aldermen and his salary and expenses shall be determined by the
board of aldermen. The chief of police shall not have to reside within the municipal limits
of Oak Ridge, but shall reside within the parish of Morehouse.
(13)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the board of
aldermen of the village of Shongaloo may, upon recommendation of the mayor, abolish the
office of the chief of police or determine that said chief shall not be elected at large but shall
be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the board of aldermen. No such action shall
become effective until there is a vacancy in the office of police chief.
(b) If the board decides to make the police chief an appointed position, the salary of
the appointed chief of police shall be established by the board of aldermen upon
recommendation of the mayor. The duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of the
appointed chief shall be established by ordinance. The term of office of the appointed chief
shall be concurrent with that of the appointing mayor and aldermen. The mayor shall
supervise and direct the administration of the office of the chief of police in accordance with
such ordinances and the chief of police shall report directly to the mayor.
(c) If the office of chief of police is abolished and the municipal police department
is abolished pursuant to R.S. 33:362(C), the mayor and board of aldermen shall be further
authorized to enter into a cooperative endeavor with any law enforcement entity or officer
within Webster Parish for law enforcement services for said village.
(14) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the chief of police
of the village of South Mansfield shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the
mayor upon approval by majority vote of the board of aldermen of said village. However,
no such appointment shall be effective until the end of the term of the chief of police in
office at the time of that action, unless the office is vacant or filled by an officer temporarily
appointed at the time of such action by the board. The term of office of the chief of police
shall be concurrent with that of the appointing mayor and aldermen. The board of aldermen
shall set the salary of the chief of police upon recommendation of the mayor. The mayor and
the board of aldermen shall establish the duties, qualifications, and responsibilities of the
chief of police. The chief of police shall report directly to the mayor. The chief of police
need not reside within the municipal limits of said municipality.
(15) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the chief of police
of the town of Oil City shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the mayor upon
approval by majority vote of the board of aldermen of said town. However, no such
appointment shall be effective until the end of the term of the chief of police in office at the
time of that action, unless the office is vacant or filled by an officer temporarily appointed
at the time of such action by the board. The term of office of the chief of police shall be
concurrent with that of the appointing mayor and aldermen. The board of aldermen shall set
the salary of the chief of police upon recommendation of the mayor. The mayor and the
board of aldermen shall establish the duties, qualifications, and responsibilities of the chief
of police. The chief of police shall report directly to the mayor. The chief of police need not
reside within the municipal limits of said municipality.
(16) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the chief of police
of the village of Rodessa shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the mayor
upon approval by majority vote of the board of aldermen of said village. However, no such
appointment shall be effective until the end of the term of the chief of police in office at the
time of that action, unless the office is vacant or filled by an officer temporarily appointed
at the time of such action by the board. The term of office of the chief of police shall be
concurrent with that of the appointing mayor and aldermen. The board of aldermen shall set
the salary of the chief of police upon recommendation of the mayor. The mayor and the
board of aldermen shall establish the duties, qualifications, and responsibilities of the chief
of police. The chief of police shall report directly to the mayor. The chief of police need not
reside within the municipal limits of said municipality.
(17)(a)(i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the chief of
police of the village of Grand Cane shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the
mayor upon approval by majority vote of the board of aldermen of said village.
(ii) However, no such appointment shall be effective until the end of the term of the
chief of police in office at the time of that action, unless the office is vacant or filled by an
officer temporarily appointed at the time of such action by the board.
(iii) The term of office of the chief of police shall be concurrent with that of the
appointing mayor and aldermen.
(iv) The board of aldermen shall set the salary of the chief of police upon
recommendation of the mayor.
(v) The mayor and the board of aldermen shall establish the duties, qualifications,
and responsibilities of the chief of police. The chief of police shall report directly to the
mayor.
(vi) The chief of police shall reside within the municipal limits of said municipality.
(b)(i) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph or any
other provision of law to the contrary, the board of aldermen of the village of Grand Cane
may, upon recommendation of the mayor, abolish the office of chief of police of the village.
(ii) If the office of chief of police is abolished and the municipal police department
is abolished pursuant to R.S. 33:362(C), the mayor and board of aldermen shall be further
authorized to contract with or enter into a cooperative endeavor with any law enforcement
entity or officer within DeSoto Parish for police services for such village.
(18) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the office of police
chief in the town of Lecompte shall be an appointive and not an elective office. The mayor,
with the approval of the board of aldermen, shall appoint the police chief. If there is an
elected chief in office on April 19, 2000, the mayor shall make the first such appointment
upon the expiration of the current term or vacancy for other reason; otherwise, he shall make
the first appointment immediately. The board of aldermen, upon recommendation of the
mayor, shall establish the chief's salary and shall, by ordinance, establish the duties,
responsibilities, and qualifications of the office. The police chief's term of office shall be
concurrent with that of the appointing mayor and aldermen. The mayor shall, in accordance
with such ordinances, supervise and direct the administration of the office, and the chief shall
report directly to the mayor.
(19) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the office of police
chief in the town of Cheneyville shall be an appointive and not an elective office. The
mayor, with the approval of the board of aldermen, shall appoint the police chief. If there
is an elected chief in office on April 19, 2000, the mayor shall make the first such
appointment upon the expiration of the current term or vacancy for other reason; otherwise,
he shall make the first appointment immediately. The board of aldermen, upon
recommendation of the mayor, shall establish the chief's salary and shall, by ordinance,
establish the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of the office. The police chief's term
of office shall be concurrent with that of the appointing mayor and aldermen. The mayor
shall, in accordance with such ordinances, supervise and direct the administration of the
office, and the chief shall report directly to the mayor.
(20)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the board of
aldermen of the village of McNary may, upon recommendation of the mayor, abolish the
office of the chief of police or determine that the chief shall not be elected at large but shall
be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the board of aldermen. However, no such
action shall affect the term of an elected chief of police.
(b) If the board decides to make the police chief an appointed position, the salary of
the appointed chief of police shall be established by the board of aldermen upon
recommendation of the mayor. The duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of the
appointed chief shall be established by ordinance. The term of office of the appointed chief
shall be concurrent with that of the appointing mayor and aldermen. The mayor shall
supervise and direct the administration of the office of the chief of police in accordance with
such ordinances, and the chief of police shall report directly to the mayor.
(c) If the office of chief of police is abolished and the municipal police department
is abolished pursuant to R.S. 33:362(C), the mayor and board of aldermen shall be further
authorized to enter into a cooperative endeavor with any law enforcement entity or officer
within Rapides Parish for law enforcement services for the village.
(21)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the board of
aldermen of the village of Longstreet may, upon recommendation of the mayor, abolish the
office of the chief of police or determine that the chief shall not be elected at large but shall
be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the board of aldermen. However, no such
action shall affect the term of an elected chief of police.
(b) If the board decides to make the police chief an appointed position, the salary of
the appointed chief of police shall be established by the board of aldermen upon
recommendation of the mayor. The duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of the
appointed chief shall be established by ordinance. The term of office of the appointed chief
shall be concurrent with that of the appointing mayor and aldermen. The mayor shall
supervise and direct the administration of the office of the chief of police in accordance with
such ordinances, and the chief of police shall report directly to the mayor.
(c) If the office of chief of police is abolished and the municipal police department
is abolished pursuant to R.S. 33:362(C), the mayor and board of aldermen shall be further
authorized to enter into a cooperative endeavor with any law enforcement entity or officer
within DeSoto Parish for law enforcement services for the village.
(22)(a) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the board of aldermen
of the town of Greenwood may, upon recommendation of the mayor, determine that the chief
of police shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the mayor upon approval by
majority vote of the board of aldermen. No such action shall affect the term of an elected
chief of police. If the office is vacant or filled by an officer temporarily appointed at the time
of such action by the board, the appointment shall be effective immediately.
(b) If the board decides to make the office of police chief an appointed position, the
salary of the appointed chief of police shall be established by the board of aldermen upon
recommendation by the mayor. The board of aldermen shall enter into a contract with the
appointed chief of police to provide for the terms of employment. The mayor and board of
aldermen shall establish the duties and responsibilities of the appointed chief of police and
he shall report directly to the mayor. The term of office of the appointed chief shall be
concurrent with that of the appointing mayor and aldermen. The appointed chief of police
need not reside within the municipal limits of the municipality.
(23) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection B of this Section, the chief of
police of the city of Grambling shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the
mayor upon approval by majority vote of the council members of said city. However, no
such appointment shall be made until the end of the term of the elected chief of police in
office on January 1, 2001, unless the office is vacant or filled by an officer temporarily
appointed as of that date. The term of office of the chief of police shall be concurrent with
that of the appointing mayor and council members. The city council and mayor shall set the
salary and working hours of the chief of police. The mayor and the council members shall
also establish the duties, qualifications, and responsibilities of the chief of police. The chief
of police shall report directly to the mayor. The chief of police need not reside within the
municipal limits of said municipality.
(24) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection B of this Section, the chief of
police of the town of Woodworth shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the
mayor upon approval by majority vote of the council members of said city. However, no
such appointment shall be made until the end of the term of the elected chief of police in
office on January 1, 2001, unless the office is vacant or filled by an officer temporarily
appointed as of that date. The term of office of the chief of police shall be concurrent with
that of the appointing mayor and council members. The city council shall set the salary of
the chief of police upon recommendation of the mayor. The mayor and the council members
shall establish the duties, qualifications, and responsibilities of the chief of police. The chief
of police shall report directly to the mayor.
(25) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the board of
aldermen of the village of Sikes may, upon recommendation of the mayor, determine that the
chief of police shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the mayor with the
approval of the board of aldermen or in the alternative to abolish the office of the chief of
police. However, such action shall become effective at the end of the term of the chief of
police in office at the time or when a vacancy occurs in the office, whichever occurs first,
except that, if at the time the board acts the office is filled by an officer temporarily
appointed, the board's action shall become effective as provided by ordinance.
(a) If the board decides to make the police chief an appointed position, the salary of
the appointed chief of police shall be established by the board of aldermen upon
recommendation of the mayor. The duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of the
appointed chief shall be established by ordinance. The term of office of the appointed chief
shall be concurrent with that of the appointing mayor and aldermen. The mayor shall
supervise and direct the administration of the office of the chief of police in accordance with
such ordinances, and the chief of police shall report directly to the mayor. The chief of
police need not reside within the municipal limits of said municipality.
(b) If the office of chief of police is abolished and the municipal police department
is abolished pursuant to R.S. 33:362(C), the mayor and board of aldermen shall be further
authorized to enter into a cooperative endeavor with any law enforcement entity or officer
within Winn Parish for law enforcement services for the village.
(26)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the board of
aldermen of the village of Lisbon, upon recommendation of the mayor, may determine that
the chief of police shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the mayor with the
approval of the board of aldermen or in the alternative may abolish the office of the chief of
police. Such action shall become effective at the end of the term of the chief of police in
office at the time or when a vacancy occurs in the office, whichever occurs first; however,
if at the time the board acts the office is filled by an officer temporarily appointed, the board's
action shall become effective as provided by ordinance.
(b) If the board decides to make the police chief an appointed position, the salary of
the appointed chief of police shall be established by the board of aldermen upon
recommendation of the mayor. The duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of the
appointed chief shall be established by ordinance. Such qualifications shall include a
requirement of POST certification or the completion of POST certification within one year
after such appointment. The term of office of the appointed chief shall be concurrent with
that of the appointing mayor and aldermen. The mayor shall supervise and direct the
administration of the office of the chief of police in accordance with such ordinances, and
the appointed chief of police shall report directly to the mayor. The appointed chief of police
need not reside within the municipal limits of the municipality.
(c) If the office of chief of police is abolished and the municipal police department
is abolished pursuant to R.S. 33:362(C), the mayor and board of aldermen shall be further
authorized to enter into a cooperative endeavor with any law enforcement entity or officer
within Claiborne Parish for law enforcement services for the village.
(27) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection B of this Section, the chief of
police of the village of Dry Prong shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the
mayor upon approval by majority vote of the board of aldermen of said village. However,
no such appointment shall be effective until the end of the term of the chief of police in
office at the time of that action, unless the office is vacant or filled by an officer temporarily
appointed at the time of such action by the board. The term of office of the chief of police
shall be concurrent with that of the appointing mayor and aldermen. The board of aldermen
shall set the salary of the chief of police upon recommendation of the mayor. The mayor and
the board of aldermen shall establish the duties, qualifications, and responsibilities of the
chief of police. The chief of police shall report directly to the mayor.
(28)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the board of
aldermen of the village of Bienville, upon recommendation of the mayor, shall adopt an
ordinance calling for an election to abolish the office of the chief of police. The election
shall be held in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code. If a majority of the qualified
electors voting at such election votes to abolish the office of chief of police, the office shall
be abolished upon the end of the term of the chief of police in office at the time or when a
vacancy occurs in the office, whichever occurs first. However, if at the time the election
occurs the office is filled by an officer temporarily appointed, the abolition of the office shall
become effective as provided by ordinance.
(b) If the office of chief of police is abolished and the municipal police department
is abolished pursuant to R.S. 33:362(C), the mayor and board of aldermen shall be further
authorized to enter into a cooperative endeavor with any law enforcement entity or officer
within Bienville Parish for law enforcement services for the village.
(29)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the office of
police chief of the town of Duson shall not be elected at large but shall be appointed by the
mayor upon approval by majority vote of the board of aldermen of said town. If there is an
elected chief in office on July 7, 2009, the mayor shall make the first such appointment upon
the expiration of the current term or vacancy for other reason; otherwise, he shall make the
first appointment immediately. The term of the police chief shall be concurrent with that of
the mayor and board of aldermen. The board of aldermen, upon recommendation of the
mayor, shall establish the salary of the chief and shall, by ordinance, establish the duties,
responsibilities, and qualifications of the office. The mayor shall, in accordance with such
ordinances, supervise and direct the administration of the office, and the chief shall report
directly to the mayor.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the chief of police
of the town of Duson shall have two years of full-time law enforcement experience and shall
successfully complete a certified training program approved by the Council on Peace Officers
Standards and Training. In addition the chief shall successfully pass a council approved
comprehensive examination within one calendar year from the date of the initial employment
as chief of police.
(30) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the office of police
chief in the municipality of Jean Lafitte shall be an appointive and not an elective office. The
mayor, with the approval of the board of aldermen, shall appoint the police chief. If there
is an elected chief in office on June 22, 2010, the mayor shall make the first such
appointment upon the expiration of the current term or vacancy for other reason; otherwise,
he shall make the first appointment immediately. The board of aldermen, upon
recommendation of the mayor, shall establish the chief's salary and shall, by ordinance,
establish the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of the office. The police chief's term
of office shall be concurrent with that of the appointing mayor and aldermen. The mayor
shall, in accordance with such ordinances, supervise and direct the administration of the
office, and the chief shall report directly to the mayor.
(31)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the office of
police chief in the town of Simmesport shall be an appointive and not an elective office. The
mayor, with the approval of the board of aldermen, shall appoint the police chief. However,
no such appointment shall be effective until the end of the term of the chief of police in
office at the time of that action, unless the office is vacant or filled by an officer temporarily
appointed at the time of such action by the board. The board of aldermen, upon
recommendation of the mayor, shall establish the chief's salary and shall, by ordinance,
establish the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of the office. The police chief's term
of office shall be concurrent with that of the appointing mayor and aldermen. The mayor
shall, in accordance with such ordinances, supervise and direct the administration of the
office, and the chief shall report directly to the mayor.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the chief of police
of the town of Simmesport shall have two years of full-time law enforcement experience and
shall successfully complete a certified training program approved by the Council on Peace
Officer Standards and Training. In addition the chief shall successfully pass a council-approved comprehensive examination within one calendar year from the date of the initial
employment as chief of police.
(32)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the board of
aldermen of the village of Goldonna may, upon the recommendation of the mayor, adopt an
ordinance calling for an election to abolish the office of chief of police. The election shall
be held in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code. If a majority of the qualified
electors voting at such election votes to abolish the office of chief of police, the office shall
be abolished upon the end of the term of the chief of police in office at the time or when a
vacancy occurs in the office, whichever occurs first; however, if at the time the election
occurs the office is filled by an officer temporarily appointed, the abolition of the office shall
become effective as provided by ordinance.
(b) If the office of chief of police is abolished and the municipal police department
is abolished pursuant to R.S. 33:362(C), the mayor and board of aldermen may contract with
or enter into any cooperative endeavor with any law enforcement entity or officer within
Natchitoches Parish for police services for the village.
(33)(a)(i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the council of
the town of Sorrento may, upon the recommendation of the mayor, adopt an ordinance
calling for an election to abolish the office of chief of police, the police department, or both.
The election shall be held in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code.
(ii) If a majority of the qualified electors voting at such election vote to abolish the
office of chief of police, the office shall be abolished upon the end of the term of the chief
of police in office at the time or when a vacancy occurs in the office, whichever occurs first;
however, if at the time the election occurs the office is filled by an officer temporarily
appointed, the abolition of the office shall become effective as provided by ordinance.
(iii) If a majority of the qualified electors voting at such election vote to abolish the
police department, the abolition of the department shall become effective as provided by
ordinance.
(b) If the office of chief of police is abolished or the municipal police department is
abolished, or both, the mayor and council may contract, or enter into a cooperative endeavor,
with any law enforcement entity or officer within Ascension Parish for police services for
the town.
(34)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the board of
aldermen of the town of Stonewall may, upon recommendation of the mayor, abolish the
office of chief of police of the town. No such action by the board shall be effective until the
end of the term of the police chief in office at the time of that action or when a vacancy
occurs in the office, whichever occurs first; however, if at the time of that action the office
is filled by an officer temporarily appointed, the abolition of the office shall become effective
as provided by ordinance.
(b) If the office of chief of police is abolished and the municipal police department
is abolished pursuant to R.S. 33:362(C), the mayor and board of aldermen may contract with
or enter into any cooperative endeavor with any law enforcement entity or officer within
DeSoto Parish for police services for the town.
(35)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the board of
aldermen of the village of Noble may, upon recommendation of the mayor, abolish the office
of chief of police of the village. No such action by the board shall be effective until the end
of the term of the police chief in office at the time of that action or when a vacancy occurs
in the office, whichever occurs first; however, if at the time of that action the office is filled
by an officer temporarily appointed, the abolition of the office shall become effective as
provided by ordinance.
(b) If the office of chief of police is abolished and the municipal police department
is abolished pursuant to R.S. 33:362(C), the mayor and board of aldermen may contract with
or enter into a cooperative endeavor with any law enforcement entity or officer within Sabine
Parish for police services for the village.
(36)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the board of
aldermen of the village of Calvin may, upon recommendation of the mayor, abolish the office
of chief of police of the village or determine that the chief shall not be elected at large but
shall be appointed by the board upon recommendation of the mayor. No such action by the
board shall be effective until the end of the term of the police chief in office at the time of
the action or when a vacancy occurs in the office.
(b) If the office of chief of police is abolished and the municipal police department
is abolished pursuant to R.S. 33:362(C), the village may contract with or enter into a
cooperative endeavor agreement with any law enforcement entity or officer within Winn
Parish for police services for the village. If the office of chief of police is made appointive,
the term of office and salary of the chief shall be determined by the board of aldermen upon
recommendation of the mayor.
(37)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the board of
aldermen of the village of Hall Summit may, upon recommendation of the mayor, abolish
the office of chief of police of the village or determine that the chief shall not be elected at-large but shall be appointed by the board upon recommendation of the mayor. No such action
by the board shall be effective until the end of the term of the police chief in office at the
time of the action or when a vacancy occurs in the office, whichever occurs first.
(b) If the office of chief of police is abolished and the municipal police department
is abolished pursuant to R.S. 33:362(C), the mayor and board of aldermen shall be further
authorized to contract with or enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with any law
enforcement entity or officer within Red River Parish for law enforcement services for the
village.
D.(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, if the town of
Sterlington or the town of Richwood enters into an agreement pursuant to R.S. 47:2051.1 for
the collection of taxes, the governing authority of the town shall not be required to appoint
a tax collector.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, if the city of
Denham Springs enters into an agreement pursuant to R.S. 47:2051.2 for the collection of
taxes, the governing authority of the city shall not be required to appoint a tax collector.
E.(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no person who is
serving as an appointed chief of police shall be eligible to be reappointed to that position if
the person has served as an appointed chief of police for at least the one year immediately
preceding the effective date of the reappointment and the person has not met the
requirements of R.S. 33:2345(A) and (B).
(2)(a) A person who was appointed to the position of chief of police prior to January
1, 2004, and has been in continuous service since that date is not required to meet the
requirements of R.S. 33:2345(A) to be eligible for reappointment to that position.
(b) The provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection shall not apply to any person
who has served as an appointed chief of police continuously since January 1, 1983.
(c) The provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection shall not apply to police chiefs
if the training required by R.S. 33:2345 is not funded in accordance with R.S. 33:2345(D).
(3) The Law Enforcement Executive Management Institute shall establish a
procedure by which any person who is serving as an appointed chief of police and who has
failed to meet the requirements of R.S. 33:2345(A) due to emergency circumstances may
apply for an exemption from the requirements for the purpose of being eligible for
reappointment to the position. If the Law Enforcement Executive Management Institute
approves the exemption, the appointed chief of police shall not be ineligible for
reappointment for failure to meet the requirements.
F.(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, if a vacancy in the
office of chief of police or fire chief in a municipality covered by the provisions of the
municipal fire and police civil service law continues for a period exceeding twelve
consecutive months and the municipal governing authority has failed or declined to confirm
an appointment submitted by the mayor or other appointing authority to the governing
authority under the requirements of a municipal home rule charter, the governor shall have
the authority to make an appointment to the position.
(2) The governor's appointment shall be selected from among the candidates on the
certified competitive employment list for the position and recommended by the mayor or the
local governing authority, notwithstanding any prior rejection or denial of confirmation of
a candidate by the local governing authority.
(3) The mayor or appointing authority shall notify the board of the filling of the
vacancy as provided in R.S. 33:2503.
(4) The person appointed to the position shall begin his working test as provided by
R.S. 33:2495, and nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit the mayor, board, or
appointing authority from removing the probational employee for the reasons and under the
circumstances set forth pursuant to that Section.
(5) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to limit the authority of a mayor or
local appointing authority to submit appointees to a local governing authority for
confirmation under the requirements of a home rule charter.
(6) Any person appointed under this Section must meet all applicable statutory,
regulatory, or civil service qualifications for the position of chief of police or fire chief.
(7) This Section shall apply only to municipalities with a population greater than
forty-five thousand but no more than forty-eight thousand, as determined by the most recent
federal decennial census.
(8) The provisions of this Section shall be retroactive to June 1, 2023.
NOTE: See Acts 1986, No. 322, §3, regarding termination of Act affecting
Napoleonville.
NOTE: See Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 111, §2, relative to severability of
provisions.
NOTE: See Acts 2009, No. 405, §2, relative to retroactive effect of
Paragraph (C)(29).

Legislative History

Acts 1970, No. 165, §1. Amended by Acts 1970, No. 594, §1; Acts 1975, No. 790, §1; Acts 1977, No. 110, §1; Acts 1980, No. 556, §1; Acts 1980, No. 583, §1; Acts 1980, No. 584, §1; Acts 1981, No. 161, §1; Acts 1982, No. 860, §1; Acts 1985, No. 55, §1, eff. June 18, 1985; Acts 1986, No. 322, §1, eff. June 30, 1986; Acts 1986, No. 1072, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1987; Acts 1988, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 9, §1, eff. Oct. 27, 1988; Acts 1989, No. 571, §1, eff. July 5, 1989; Acts 1991, No. 712, §1, eff. July 18, 1991; Acts 1991, No. 722, §1, eff. July 31, 1991; Acts 1992, No. 76, §1, eff. June 5, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 412, §1, eff. June 19, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 676, §1; Acts 1992, No. 677, §1; Acts 1992, No. 739, §1; Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 80, §1; Acts 1995, No. 500, §1; Acts 1997, No. 387, §1, eff. June 20, 1997; Acts 1997, No. 454, §1, eff. July 1, 1997; Acts 1997, No. 836, §1, eff. July 10, 1997; Acts 1997, No. 1044, §2;Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 9, §1, eff. April 24, 1998; Acts 1999, No. 96, §1, eff. June 9, 1999; Acts 1999, No. 114, §1, eff. June 9, 1999; Acts 1999, No. 131, §1, eff. June 9, 1999; Acts 1999, No. 136, §1, eff. June 9, 1999; Acts 1999, No. 194, §1, eff. June 9, 1999; Acts 1999, No. 1106, §2; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 111, §1, eff. April 19, 2000; Acts 2000, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 14, §1, eff. July 5, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 82, §1; Acts 2001, No. 311, §1; Acts 2001, No. 376, §1, eff. June 13, 2001; Acts 2001, No. 854, §1; Acts 2001, No. 984, §1, eff. June 27, 2001; Acts 2002, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 39, §1, eff. April 18, 2002; Acts 2003, No. 468, §1; Acts 2006, No. 134, §1; Acts 2007, No. 211, §1, eff. July 2, 2007; Acts 2009, No. 405, §1, eff. July 7, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 474, §1, eff. June 22, 2010; Acts 2011, No. 41, §1; Acts 2013, No. 134, §1; Acts 2014, No. 605, §1, eff. June 12, 2014; Acts 2017, No. 202, §1, eff. June 14, 2017; Acts 2023, No. 222, §1, eff. June 8, 2023; Acts 2023, No. 348, §1; Acts 2024, No. 66, §1; Acts 2025, No. 319, §1; Acts 2025, No. 452, §1.