Opinion Number

Dear Mr. La Fleur:

On behalf of the mayor of Ville Platte, you have requested a legal opinion of the attorney general and ask what is the scope of the disciplinary authority of the Mayor of Ville Platte over police officers or other members of the police department. You inform us that Ville Platte is a Lawrason Act municipality and that the chief of police is an elected official.

Specifically, you ask three questions:

1. If the chief of police is elected, does La.R.S. 33:423.4 give the chief the sole discretion to discipline his officers and staff?

2. Does the city of Ville Platte or the mayor of…