To review chief’s status

JEANERETTE — Increased complaints about the performance of Jeanerette Police Chief Morman Alexander will have city officials taking a second look at his employment status.

The mayor and board of aldermen will hold a hearing Wednesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall to address the concerns.

Mayor Arthur Verret said three years have gone by since a full evaluation study of the department was made by the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, followed by an independent study by Burke Foster, a retired criminal justice professor from ULL.

The studies listed the inadequacies of the police chief and the specific recommendations that should be implemented.

“The Foster report was a very good evaluation of the department with specific recommendations,” Verret said. “The chief was given a copy of the recommendations. These were all good recommendations, but it has been three years and very little has been implemented by the chief to make improvements.

Alexander had no direct comment this morning about the mayor’s allegations of inaction on the study’s suggestions.

“I’m just going to go there and deal with it on Wednesday,” he said, before refusing to answer any additional questions.

Verret said he continues to receive complaints about the many robberies, burglaries and break-ins within the community that have not been solved. Also, the mayor said there are constant complaints the department is not doing enough to control drug dealing, loud music, loitering, littering and speeding.

“Our goal is to provide a professional and efficient law enforcement agency to protect lives and property,” Verret said. “It’s time to take appropriate action to make the necessary changes to improve the department.”

Verret said there are only three options to consider.

“We can sit and do nothing, terminate or demote the chief to the position of lieutenant,” he said. “I feel the Foster report was a good report with good specific recommendations, and it needs to be addressed.”

Participating in the hearing panel will be District Attorney Phil Haney, Burke Foster, City Attorney Raymond Allain and Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal was asked to attend.

Verret said the city provides a good infrastructure for the police department.

“Law enforcement salaries have been adjusted to be competitive with other agencies, the city has a first class law enforcement center valued at $1 million, along with new patrol vehicles and equipment,” Verret said. “We’ve got everything in place for a good law enforcement agency. We should have one that is, professional, efficient and courteous.”