Minden Police Chief Jared McIver says a series of equipment upgrades, staffing changes and new programs have reshaped the Minden Police Department since he took office in 2023.
“Everything that was promised has been done,” McIver said in a recent interview, pointing to expanded personnel, modernized equipment and new training initiatives as key improvements over the past three years.
Among the most visible changes is the department’s staffing structure. The agency now has two deputy chiefs, including its first female deputy chief, and maintains a fully staffed force. McIver said the department has also become more diverse in both gender and race and has expanded its reserve officer program from one volunteer to four retired law enforcement officers serving in reserve roles.
Patrol operations have also changed significantly. When McIver took office, the department had only five patrol vehicles, sometimes requiring officers to use personal vehicles. Now each officer is assigned a patrol unit that can be taken home. McIver said take-home units increase visibility in neighborhoods and can help deter crime.
The department has outfitted patrol vehicles with new radars and onboard computers, allowing officers to complete reports in the field instead of returning to the station.
“The radars, when we took office, were just about falling apart. Now the majority of our units have new radars to help slow down speeders,” McIver said.
Officers have also received new uniforms, badges, a redesigned department patch and updated vehicle logos. All officers have been issued department-provided handguns and rifles, along with practice ammunition, replacing a previous system in which some officers supplied their own firearms. The department has also added new Tasers, less-lethal shotguns and body cameras.
Speaking about the overall equipment upgrades, McIver said, “The officers have, basically, whatever they need to do their jobs.”
Specialized resources have expanded as well. The department has added two drones, new side-by-side utility vehicles used during large events and emergencies, and a dedicated Special Response Team, along with an SRT van. McIver said the utility vehicles proved especially helpful during the recent ice storm and are frequently used at parades and football games.
“It’s been a big help for us,” he said.
The department now has two K-9 units with the addition of a new K-9 officer to replace one who is retiring. McIver said he believes those are currently the only K-9 units in Webster Parish.
Inside department facilities, renovations have led to office improvements, exterior upgrades and the addition of an armory. The agency also established an internal affairs division focused on accountability.
Training has been another major focus. Officers now complete annual mandatory training, with many courses taught by in-house instructors. McIver said the department has prioritized sending officers to instructor schools so they can return and train colleagues. Firearms training, now conducted quarterly, is handled through the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office. One officer recently completed Emergency Vehicle Operations Course training in Maryland, which focuses on high-speed and advanced driving skills.
The department has also started organizing training opportunities for church security teams in the community.
School resource coverage has expanded to include two school resource officers at Minden High School.
In crime prevention and enforcement, McIver said the department has focused heavily on gang activity. When he took office, he said two prominent gangs — TTS and CHS — were active in the city.
“When we took office, the gang issue was really bad. We had two prominent gangs: TTS and CHS. Since then we have eradicated the gangs,” he said.
According to McIver, 26 gang members have been arrested. He said about half have gone to court and received sentences of more than eight years each, while the others are awaiting trial.
The department has also removed approximately 105 weapons from the streets since January 1, 2023, he said.
McIver pointed to early crime data as an indicator of progress.
“It just shows that what we’ve been doing is working,” he said.
He noted that in 2021 there were 145 reported shots fired incidents in Minden, compared with 57 in 2025. He said full crime statistics will be released in a future report.
Technology has also been added to support investigations. The department is working to install license plate readers to help track suspect vehicles. McIver said the system will not be used to issue speeding tickets and, once connected, will be able to link with surrounding networks.
The department is now compliant with both LIBERS and NIBRS reporting systems, which McIver said was not the case when he took office. Compliance allows the department to apply for certain grants.
Animal control services have also moved under MPD. The department now has two animal control officers, each with a vehicle and tranquilizer dart equipment, replacing a previous system that relied mainly on traps. A new animal shelter is nearing completion.
Community-focused programs have expanded with the launch of “Minden’s Finest,” designed to help identify special needs residents during emergency situations.
McIver also emphasized cooperation with other agencies and local leaders.
“We’ve got the best working relationships,” he said. “We’ve got a good working relationship with the city council, the mayor’s office, and all the entities here in the city. It’s not like that everywhere, but it’s good here so we’re very fortunate.”