Minden Police Chief Jared McIver has been appointed to the executive board of the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, a move he says marks a historic moment not only for the department but for the City of Minden.
McIver was recently sworn in as the association’s sergeant-at-arms, the entry-level leadership position on the executive board.
His appointment coincides with Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker serving on the executive board of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association and Minden Mayor Nick Cox serving on the executive board of the Louisiana Municipal Association.
McIver said local officials believe it is the first time Minden has simultaneously had representatives serving on the executive boards of all three statewide organizations.
“I think people ought to know how well Minden and Webster Parish are being represented,” McIver said. “The opportunities this creates are tremendous.”
The Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police represents approximately 350 police chiefs statewide. According to McIver, board members help guide the organization’s priorities through leadership development, professional training, legislative advocacy and collaboration among law enforcement agencies.
As a board member, McIver said he will work alongside other law enforcement leaders to help shape statewide initiatives and provide input on legislation affecting policing across Louisiana.
“When we see laws that could help law enforcement or laws that may create challenges, we’ll have an opportunity to work together and provide input,” he said.
McIver believes the simultaneous representation of Minden’s chief, mayor and sheriff on statewide executive boards creates new opportunities for collaboration that could benefit both the city and the parish.
“It puts Minden on a map it’s never been on before,” he said.
McIver also hopes his years of experience in law enforcement training will allow him to help strengthen future conferences by bringing nationally recognized instructors and resources to fellow chiefs throughout Louisiana.
“It’s about helping strengthen law enforcement across the state while bringing those ideas back home,” he said.