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Sheriff Garber sworn in, talks about future of LPSO

Posted at 11:18 AM, Jun 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-19 10:25:39-04

Sheriff Mark Garber and Command Staff at the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office were sworn in.

On Thursday, the department had an oath of office ceremony.

Garber thanked his support system at home and at work during brief remarks following the swearing in.

"It takes an administration and agency to make things happen," he said. "I think we work very well together... I look forward to the next four years. We are going to keep on changing for the better and evolving as an agency."

Garber stated that due to recent events in the United States, it is time to talk about where the profession is going.

"I get a lot of calls from people, retired officers... they are worried about us."

He says that the future of law enforcement is uncertain but he it thankful he be in a leadership role to lead the agency and influence other agencies to make change. That change, he stated would be through leadership.

He says all officers go through training, but he doesn't think training is the problem.

"The path forward is empowering law enforcement leaders but also holding them accountable," he said.

He says they haven't implemented any changes yet stating that "it's been hectic with pandemic and protests."

Garber mentioned that there used to be a mandate where Lafayette had to promote their most senior individual, but now they can choose out of the three most senior individuals for those leadership roles. He hopes that mandates like that can be brought to other departments.

Garber also spoke about his deputies, namely his "black deputies", who have spoken to him over the recent weeks about the hardships and treatment of people of color who work in law enforcement. He says that those conversations have opened his eyes to the struggles they face.

"I would have thought this was a thing of the past. It is beyond obvious that we have a tremendous task ahead of us," he concluded.

He asked for continued prayers for the department.

Watch the full remarks below:

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