December 2023

LOUISIANA ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE
Partnership Offers Law Enforcement Training Solutions
Greetings from the Louisiana
Association of Chiefs
of Police. I am honored to
speak to you about an important
opportunity to improve
the quality of public
safety in your municipality.
For the 237 municipalities
with mayor’s courts,
state law affords two opportunities to
support the educational efforts of LACP.
From training newly elected/appointed
chiefs of police, to providing ongoing
training for law enforcement throughout
the year, LACP’s aim is to empower
municipal police to provide the highest
standard of public safety services to
their communities.
La. R.S. 33:2334 provides that when a
mayor’s court grants bail and issues an
appearance bond for the next court
date, they may assess a $15 fee, $2 of
which may be allocated to LACP for
law enforcement education and training.
Similarly, La. R.S. 33:441 authorizes
mayor’s court to designate any portion
of their assessed court costs to LACP for
the education and training
of law enforcement
personnel.
I humbly request that
mayor’s court municipalities
consider allocating
funds from appearance
bonds and court costs to
LACP. Those funds will be
used entirely toward education
and training for municipal police.
Your contributions are a minimal investment
that will reap maximum benefits
since a well-trained police force is essential
for effective ordinance enforcement
and public protection.
There are municipalities that have been
contributing for some time, and I am
deeply grateful for their consideration.
I hope that those of you who have not
historically contributed to help fund this
critical education will – in light of this
information – take the steps to begin
contributing.
With increasing educational mandates
imposed on law enforcement professionals,
we strive to retain the best possible
teachers, trainers, and presenters
to provide the most updated information.
Your mayor’s court contributions
are a vital part of helping LACP achieve
that goal.
I respectfully urge you to join our efforts
to bring state-of-the-art excellence to
your municipal police departments.
Since 1968, LACP has focused on serving
the needs of municipal law enforcement,
and we are proud to partner with
the LMA and its members because we
know that we are better together.
Thank you for your consideration and
don’t hesitate to contact me for further
information at 225.387.3261.
By Fabian
Blache
Louisiana
Association of
Chiefs of Police
Blanche is the Louisiana Association of
Chiefs of Police Executive Director. He can
be reached by calling 225.387.3261.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30: BONDS
options. Whether through general obligation
bonds, revenue bonds, or other
variations, local governments can tailor
their approach to align with the specific
needs of their community projects. This
flexibility enhances the ability to fund diverse
initiatives that contribute to overall
community prosperity.
The funds raised through municipal
bonds can be directed toward improving
and expanding public services. This
includes investments in education,
healthcare, and public safety. By securing
financing through bonds, Louisiana
municipalities can enhance the delivery
of essential services, fostering a safer and
more prosperous living environment for
residents.
Infrastructure projects funded by municipal
bonds have a direct impact on job
creation. The construction, maintenance,
and operation of public facilities generate
employment opportunities, providing
a boost to the local economy. This
economic stimulus, in turn, has a positive
ripple effect, benefiting businesses
and residents alike.
Successfully managing municipal bonds
can contribute to stronger credit ratings
for municipalities. A higher credit rating
not only reduces borrowing costs but
also signals financial stability. This improved
creditworthiness positions Louisiana
municipalities to access additional
financing options and undertake more
ambitious projects in the future.
Municipal bonds stand as a potent financial
tool for Louisiana municipalities,
offering a pathway to address critical
needs, stimulate economic growth, and
enhance the overall quality of life for
residents. By harnessing the benefits of
municipal bonds, local governments can
build resilient communities that thrive
and evolve to meet the challenges of the
future. The strategic use of these bonds
represents an investment not only in
infrastructure but also in the long-term
prosperity and vitality of Louisiana municipalities.
By Ben Bankston and
Shaun Toups
Government Consultants Inc.
Bankston and Toups are Municipal
Advisors with Government Consultants
Inc. They can be reached at bbankston@gcla.net
and stoups@ga-la.net, respectively.
LMR | DECEMBER 2023 Page 31