Youngsville Chief of Police race

One of the races I’ve shied away from is the Youngsville Chief of Police. We did great work here informing the public of the ongoing challenges leading up to that race. It included several candidates who promised to run but lacked the domicile requirement. Old boy Rickey Boudreaux also pledged to run in the race called due to his resignation. We noted a recent law precluding him from doing so. The District Attorney’s office challenged and ultimately removed him (and one other) from the ballot.

The remaining candidates are Cody Louviere, JP Broussard, and Matt Thomassee. As with anything on the ballot, I get many personal calls asking what I think of the race. This race is no different, except for an unexpectedly high number of calls.

To be fully transparent, you should know that Matt has been involved in the work here at Citizens for a New Louisiana. As a result, I know him very well and hold him in the highest regard possible. He’s reached a level of competence so high that I’ve rarely seen anything like it in any industry, including law enforcement. If you feel my familiarity with this race has unduly influenced my opinion, please feel free to stop reading now. However, (as evidenced by the number of calls) others want to know my unique and unequaled insight into this race. So, armed with the understanding that I know him and this race perhaps too well, let’s jump into my thoughts on the Youngsville Chief of Police contest.

Matt Thomassee: A Lifetime of Law Enforcement and Leadership

Matt Thomassee’s qualifications stem from over 25 years in law enforcement and public safety. That includes his extensive tenure at the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office. He served in various roles, from Accreditation Manager to Training Officer and leading Background Investigations. His diverse experience has shaped him into a multifaceted leader with expertise in operations, high-stakes response, and officer training. As a Training officer, Thomassee directly oversaw the preparation of recruits and the up-skilling of experienced officers. This role requires comprehensive knowledge of tactics, legal standards, and mentorship.

Beyond his public service, Thomassee’s over 10 years of work in corporate security and private investigation have given him additional insights into managing complex security needs, a valuable skill as Youngsville’s growth brings new challenges. His leadership style is rooted in community-first policing, emphasizing transparency, public trust, and a genuine commitment to residents’ safety and well-being. Thomassee’s qualifications and depth of experience make him uniquely prepared to lead a city that needs both modern, proactive policing and strong ties with the community it serves. These are not just things I believe, but what I have heard repeatedly from others in the community.

Today, we find ourselves in a culture where law enforcement has become a mine field. Officers are caught between the “defund the police” movement and their genuine desire to serve and protect their communities. One misstep and their careers come to an abrupt end. I have personally witnessed Matt’s work in this realm. He is a mentor and resource to officers across our state looking for guidance in navigating this treacherously narrow road of interoffice politics, civil service law, and an overall desire to not just do the right thing in every situation but the best thing.

Cody Louviere: Troubled Tenure

Cody Louviere, the acting Chief of Police, has faced criticism for his performance over the past year. In all fairness, Louviere did inherit a department in turmoil. I have personally had the opportunity to meet with Louviere numerous times and he is a nice guy. Prior to assuming this temporary role, Louviere’s experience was primarily as a patrol and canine officer. It’s a specialized position, valuable in its own right, but lacking the breadth required to oversee a full police department. In particular, he has no experience in accreditation, which is crucial for maintaining operational standards, or in areas like training, investigations, management, and departmental operations.

During his tenure as acting chief, Louviere’s performance has been described as “spotty,” with concerns raised about his ability to manage the department effectively and maintain high standards. Louviere’s limited background does not prepare him for the comprehensive responsibilities that come with being Chief of Police. His past year in the role has only highlighted some of these shortcomings facing criticism as to whether the department has and is moving the right direction. As a result, his candidacy raises questions about whether he possesses the knowledge, vision, and leadership necessary to effectively guide Youngsville’s police department through its current growth and the demands of modern law enforcement.

JP Broussard: Campaign Based on Exaggerated Claims

I’ve also met with JP Broussard, who is a great guy. He was incredibly gracious and nice when we visited. However, his background, too, falls short of the extensive and broad experience required for a Chief of Police. Broussard has worked as a paramedic and a city court bailiff / civil deputy with the Lafayette City Marshal’s Office. These roles provide some basic public safety experience but do not involve the breadth of skills needed to lead a police department.

His campaign has heavily alluded to SWAT experience. It’s even featured a television commercial and mailers that depict him in a SWAT-style raid. However, the Lafayette City Marshal’s Office does not actually have a SWAT unit. His own resume lacks any indication of his involvement or training for such operations. This casts doubt on the authenticity of his campaign narrative, suggesting that his portrayal may be more about creating a certain image than representing his actual qualifications.

Moreover, Broussard’s lack of experience in core areas like management, investigations, and operational training makes his campaign seem disconnected from the real needs of Youngsville’s growing police department. Instead of touting a record of policing excellence, Broussard’s campaign appears to be crafting an image that doesn’t reflect the rigorous demands or realities of the role he is seeking. Although a nice guy he doesn’t strike me as leadership material.

A Comparison

When comparing the three candidates, Thomassee’s extensive qualifications and dedication to the community stand out. His hands-on leadership experience in the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, combined with his work in the private sector and officer advocacy, show that he not only understands the complexities of law enforcement but has also thrived in high-pressure roles that test one’s leadership and decision-making abilities. Thomassee’s career has been marked by a commitment to growth, ongoing education, and the training of younger officers. All of these are key elements for a successful Chief of Police.

Louviere and Broussard, while great people and police officers, appear to lack broad foundational experience necessary for leadership of such a large police operation. Louviere’s time as a patrol and canine officer and his challenging year as acting Chief do not suggest he has the comprehensive skill set needed to lead the department effectively. Broussard, meanwhile, lacks verifiable experience in core areas and has focused his campaign on a narrative that appears to be exaggerated. Neither Louviere nor Broussard has the demonstrated qualifications or proven track record necessary to navigate the complexities of modern policing in a growing city like Youngsville.

Conclusion: a Vision for Youngsville’s Future

Youngsville needs a Chief of Police who not only brings experience but also a vision of what policing should look like in a modern, expanding city. Thomassee has released his vision, which includes a community-first approach that prioritizes transparency, respect, and collaboration with residents. His strong background in training and mentoring ensures that Youngsville’s officers will benefit from top-notch development and guidance, leading to a department that is both highly skilled and deeply committed to the values of the community.

At this late hour, Matt remains the only candidate who has published a plan detailing how he will improve the department as Chief. Little or nothing has been said by the other campaigns on this matter. “Vote for me,” isn’t a plan.

In the end, Matt Thomassee is the candidate who possesses the experience, integrity, and vision needed to effectively serve as Youngsville’s Chief of Police. His candidacy reflects a commitment to both operational excellence and community partnership. These are qualities that will set a high standard for Youngsville’s police department as it faces the demands of growth and change.

You all have repeatedly asked me for my thoughts. Until now, I’ve felt a little too close to these matters for my opinion to be taken seriously. Perhaps that’s still the case. However, due to the overwhelming number of requests for that opinion, I reluctantly share it with you all now. Take it or leave it.

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