Rayne chief wants hiring, firing authority

Rayne Police Chief Carroll Stelly wants the same authority to hire and fire his officers as was recently granted Crowley Police Chief K.P. Gibson.
Under current law, Stelly is required to bring recommendations regarding the hiring, promotion and discipline of city police personnel to the City Council for action.
Under a resolution adopted by the council at its January meeting, Rep. Jack Montoucet, D-Crowley, will be asked to introduce a bill to the Louisiana Legislature authorizing current and future Rayne police chiefs to appoint, promote, discipline and discharge personnel.
Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux endorsed the plan, saying “the police chief should be trusted to do the job to which he was elected.”
Montoucet has introducted similar bills vesting police chiefs with the same authority in Crowley, Carencro, Scott and Youngsville.
Robichaux said he viewed the change as an opportunity to remove what often “creates unrest” from council action.
He added that the council would retain its role of accountability over the police department.
As a Lawrason Act municipality, the authority to hire police personnel in Rayne is “vested in the mayor and board of aldermen.” The police chief is only authorized to “make recommendations to the mayor and board of aldermen” as to the appointment, promotion, discipline or dismissal of personnel.
Crowley, also is a Lawrason Act municipality.
Gibson was granted the authority to hire, fire and discipline police personnel in Crowley through action taken during the 2015 Session of the Louisiana Legislature.
The 2016 Regular Legislative Session will convene at noon Monday, March 14, and adjourn no later than 6 p.m. on Monday, June 6.