Interim Lafayette police chief named; here's how he plans to target violent crime (2024)

Capt. Paul Trouard will serve as the interim chief of the Lafayette Police Department during a national search to fill the permanent position, Mayor-President Monique Boulet announced Tuesday morning.

Trouard, 50, has spent his entire law enforcement career at the Lafayette agency, where he was recently named assistant chief by former police chief Judith Estorge, who stepped down from the appointed position this month.

"It's an honor," Trouard said of the appointment. "It's been a long road. I just hope to move the department forward."

Boulet said there are four priorities she sees during this transitional time at the Lafayette Police Department. They include conversations around gun violence prevention methods, the city's growth, how the department responds to mental health and de-escalation practices.

Trouard said he plans to open up communication within the department and within the community. He plans to meet with neighborhoods, coteries and council members to better understand their needs and wants from the agency.

The city of Lafayette suffered its deadliest year on record in 2023, with the Lafayette Police Department investigating a record 29 homicide cases.

When asked how he would address the rise in violent crime, Trouard said he's a big fan of targeted enforcement, which he regularly implemented when he oversaw a precinct in northwest Lafayette. He would look at the department's reporting system, talk to first-line officers and use data analytics to track what crimes are happening at what times and in what areas to determine what resources to deploy.

"You just start hitting that area, trying to target the different areas, the different types of crimes to try to reduce the violent crime," Trouard said. "And that's been very effective, and I would like to ramp that up. I'd like to do more of it. Now granted, we're subject to our budget. With that said, what's more important? Dropping crime? Or my budget right now?"

A national search for a qualified candidate will commence within the next 30 days, Boulet announced during a Tuesday morning news conference. Rachel Godeaux, her chief administrative officer, will oversee the comprehensive search, which is expected to take five or six months.

Boulet said her administration has reached out to the Police Executive Research Forum, a national organization made up of law enforcement leadership, for best practices, although she's not certain if they'll formally use the association to assist in the search.

The mayor-president said she'll also meet with Lafayette officers and community stakeholders during the search for a new police chief.

"They will have an opportunity for feedback," Boulet said. "It is, at the end of the day, my decision. And I will protect that decision."

Estorge, who was appointed police chief in October 2022 by former Mayor-President Josh Guillory, announced her resignation from the position earlier this month. Her appointment followed years of leadership upheaval at the Police Department.

Chief Toby Aguillardresigned under pressure the day Guillory took officein Jan. 2020.Scott Morgan served as the interim chieffor a year until Thomas Glover, retired from the Dallas Police Department,was selected for the top role.

On Oct. 7, 2021, Glover wasdismissed from the position after 10 monthson the job. Gloverunsuccessfully appealed his terminationto the Lafayette Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board andhas taken his case to the 15th Judicial District Court.

Sgt. Wayne Griffin, who was then named interim chief, wasput on leave Oct. 21, 2021,after a sexual harassment complaint was filed. Griffinwas later demoted, thenterminated in Januaryforlying during that investigation. His termination was successfully appealed, andhe was restored to the police force as a sergeant.

Interim Chief Monte Potierled the department for a yearbefore Estorge's appointment.

Boulet said she does not believe the frequent turnover will scare qualified applicants away from the position.

"I do expect a good applicant pool," Boulet said. "I think we're going to make sure that it's a solid search, and we send a message that it's a new administration. I think there's a new level of stability. I feel confident that we will get a good number of solid candidates."

Trouard has climbed the ranks at the Lafayette Police Department over the past 27 years.

He spent about four years working in patrol then spent about six years training recruits and seasoned officers for field work. From there, he began working as a detective of financial crimes, which he described as having "no real excitement," so he transferred to the violent crime and homicide section, which he said is where "I really found what I was supposed to do."

He took over as the supervising sergeant then later as the administrator over the violent crime and homicide section. He would continue to patrol from time to time and eventually became a captain, where he led Precinct 1 in northwest Lafayette. In April, he was named assistant police chief of the agency.

Trouard holds an undergraduate certificate in criminal justice from the University of Virginia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a master's degree from Columbia Southern University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Trouard was alsoamong three finalists to be nominated in 2020for the role of police chief to Guillory. He was nominated by Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mark Garber.

He's once again planning to put his name in for the permanent position.

"I think it'd be easier for me to step into the role," Trouard said. "I'm not saying that I'm going to be the best person. You never know what's going to happen in the future, and I've told the administration if I'm not exactly what you want for this position, don't take me. I will still work at whatever capacity you desire. I truly want what's best for the department."