Community-Oriented Policing Commitment

The recent death of George Floyd while in custody of the Minneapolis Police Department is a terrible tragedy. The inexcusable act that caused the death of Mr. Floyd is wrong and heartbreaking; there is simply no other way to put it. It is a devastating reminder of the work that still needs to be done when it comes to the issues of race and law enforcement training, and the need for a national dialogue on institutional racism. As a former law enforcement officer, I cannot understand what could have possibly led to this tragic outcome for Mr. Floyd. I implore people of this community and nationwide to use this devastating situation to start a meaningful dialogue that will create tangible change and the opportunity for everyone to live a life of inclusion, free of racism and discrimination. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to all of those who have been affected by this incident and others.

In cities across America, mayors are in a unique position to transform how police departments interact with their communities. As the Mayor of Lafayette, I will continue our vision of public safety based on trust, accountability, respect and the sanctity of all lives. I am proud to say that the Lafayette Police Department has been a forerunner in Community Policing and that the entire jurisdiction has benefitted from their progressive, thoughtful approach to providing quality public safety services and upholding national and international policing standards.

Value-based public safety is part of the quality of life continuum we are building throughout Lafayette. The City’s budget provides essential services to all neighborhoods with an emphasis on creating a brighter future for all. Lafayette has made significant improvements throughout our neighborhoods inclusive to all citizens. Some of those enhancements include:

• Access to quality food through our ten (10) community sharing gardens.
• Affordable housing projects with Habitat for Humanity, Faith Community Development Corporation, Chatham Square Apartments, New Chauncey Housing, LTHC Homeless Services, Shelter Plus Care, Fresh Start Program and through the work of the Lafayette Housing Authority Program.
• Transportation improvements to Sagamore Parkway, Twyckenham Boulevard, and 3rd/4th Street two-way conversion project.
• Good jobs from the growth and expansion of local employers plus training opportunities available at Lafayette Career Academy and Greater Lafayette Commerce.
• Improvements to quality water infrastructure with the 9th Street Booster Station, Murdock Park Booster Station, and replacement of water lines in neighborhoods.
• Arts and entertainment through public art displays, Wabash Walls, Lafayette Theatre, and The Long Center for the Performing Arts.
• Improvements to the Lafayette Parks and Recreation sites with new playgrounds, expanded water features at community pools, construction of a new multi-purpose stadium, and expanded exhibits at the Columbian Park and its Zoo.
• Sanitation upgrades to reduce street, yard flooding, and eliminate raw sewage overflows into the Wabash River.
• Read to Succeed volunteers and finance supporters.
• Economic Development throughout the City for competitive downtown housing, new retail spaces, streetscape projects, bike-friendly lanes, and pedestrian crossings up-grades.

The Community-Centered Policing Commitment is our promise to make the City of Lafayette a safer community by engaging with our citizens to fulfill a quality of life promise. By choosing the ethical path – every time – we will do what is right with integrity and leadership and be responsible and accountable for our actions.