Answer

A.1. The elected Police Chief is in charge of the public health and safety, which includes policing of the officers. Therefore, it appears the Mayor requiring them to do time sheets instead of attestations of hours worked would be interfering in the elected Police Chief's duties. A.2. The Attorney General opinions support the Mayor requiring that the elected Police Chief follow the town's standard purchase order procedures for purchases for his department, but the Mayor cannot question the actual purchases themselves. A.3. The Mayor does not appear to have the authority to "instruct" the elected Police chief about high speed chases, the Council could pass a resolution urging and requesting that the elected Chief create and adopt a high speed chase policy, which would limit the liability of the town. A.4. Use of a public building for any type of activities would require a policy establishing rent and/or lease payments. Louisiana Legislative Auditor website: 05/01/2025 11:31:30 PM