Minden Police Chief Jared McIver is spearheading initiatives to enhance officer training and community preparedness, aiming to improve both law enforcement capabilities and public safety.
One of McIver’s key community initiatives is crisis response training for businesses and churches in Minden. The police department is working with organizations to develop crisis management plans and train personnel to respond effectively in emergencies until law enforcement arrives.
On April 3, the department will launch a church security and crisis development team event at the Minden Civic Center. Hosted by the Minden Police Department and Mayor Nick Cox, the free event will feature vendors offering firearms, security cameras, and medical supplies. Training sessions will be available, and each church will receive a checklist outlining recommended security measures.
“I think there’s a lot of churches that don’t know where to start,” McIver said. “I think this is going to be a big help for a lot of churches.”
Invitations will be sent to all Minden churches in the coming weeks, with the event serving as the first phase in a larger initiative. Future phases will include additional training opportunities and individual church security evaluations.
Enhanced Training for Officers
Within the department, officers are undergoing extensive training to enhance their skills. McIver’s goal since taking office has been to ensure the department has certified instructors in all necessary areas, and he has been sending officers to obtain instructor certifications.
“Our officers are constantly going through training,” said McIver
Two officers will soon attend a specialized course on the latest criminal methods related to drug and gun trafficking. Additionally, the department will soon begin an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course, with a newly certified instructor returning from Maryland. Officers will receive high-speed and pursuit driving training as part of this initiative.
Defensive tactics instructors have recently re-certified all personnel, and first aid and CPR training will now occur twice per year. Firearms training has increased to quarterly sessions, and officers are also receiving instruction on less-lethal options, including tasers and bean bag shotguns.
Training sessions are conducted during off-hours, requiring overtime pay. McIver praised city leadership for their support.
“My hat goes off to the council because they realize how imperative the training is,” he said. “The council we have is always thinking down the road, and we’re very blessed to have that.”
New Equipment and Technology
The department is also looking forward to acquiring new equipment. Each officer will soon be equipped with a taser and a patrol rifle in addition to their standard-issue sidearm. Plans are also in place to equip every patrol unit with radar and a less-lethal shotgun.
“There’s so much expense with every bit of that,” McIver said.
Additionally, MPD is considering increasing the number of surveillance cameras and installing license plate readers (LPRs) throughout the city. These tools can aid in crime-solving and help reduce speeding by alerting drivers to their speed.
“LPRs will pay big when there’s a crime and that vehicle passes in front of that reader and we can get the license,” McIver said.
Despite advancements in technology, McIver assured residents that citations will not be issued through automated enforcement.
“As long as I’m chief of police, you’ll never get a ticket in the mail,” he said.
Funding for new equipment comes from the department’s budget and grants. Two officers have attended grant writing school and are actively seeking funding opportunities to equip officers with necessary tools.
Professional Development and Department Growth
Officers will also attend specialized conferences, including School Resource Officer (SRO) and Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) training events. Deputy Chief Harrison will represent the department at the Women in Command conference in Lafayette on February 24-25, where topics will include leadership strategies, navigating male-dominated professions, and mentorship.
In addition to these efforts, construction has begun on a new animal shelter, marking another step forward for the department and the community.
With a focus on training, technology, and public safety initiatives, McIver is committed to building a stronger police force and fostering a safer Minden.