Port Allen PD Hasn't Updated Its Policy Manual in 25 Years. The Council Could Fix That Tonight.
Department's policy manual unchanged since 2001; contract would cost nearly $10,000 annually
PORT ALLEN — The Port Allen City Council is expected to vote Wednesday on a contract that would bring the city's police department policy manual into the modern era — for nearly $10,000 a year.
The council will consider authorizing Police Chief Donovan V. Mitchell to enter into a contract with Lexipol, a company that provides policy management and training services to law enforcement agencies nationwide. The Finance Committee heard the proposal April 1 without objection.
The department's current policy manual, Mitchell told committee members, has not been substantially updated since 2001.
"A lot of the context in that policy is well dated," Mitchell said.
What Lexipol Provides
Under the proposed contract, Lexipol would supply the department with an annually updated law enforcement policy manual, online training tied to current law, and automatic alerts when legislation changes affect department procedures.
Mitchell cited domestic violence response as an example of how quickly legal requirements can shift.
"What we used to do in 2023 has changed in 2026," he said. "And a lot of times you kind of get lost in that."
The annual contract is priced at $9,944 and breaks down as follows:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual law enforcement policy manual and daily training | $7,000 |
| Police One Law Enforcement Academy (30% discount applied) | $1,600 |
| Annual law enforcement supplement manual | $983 |
| One-time implementation and onboarding fee | $245 |
| Total | $9,944 |
The vendor has offered to provide May and June at no charge if the council approves the contract Wednesday, with billing beginning July 1 at the start of the new fiscal year.
Why the City Isn't Joining
Mitchell originally explored the program as a joint purchase with Mayor Terecita Pattan's office, but said city administration ultimately determined the system wasn't the right fit for their needs.
"For the mayor, she doesn't really need it because nothing doesn't really change as much compared to law enforcement," Mitchell said.
Questions Ahead of the Vote
The Finance Committee discussion on April 1 did not include a review of the actual contract language. It is unclear whether the full council has received the agreement ahead of Wednesday's vote.
The council has not publicly identified which budget line would fund the contract, whether the city has the ability to exit the agreement before the annual term ends, or what happens to the updated policy manual if the city chooses not to renew.
Background
Mitchell said he consulted with law enforcement peers before bringing the proposal forward, including chiefs who have already implemented similar systems at their agencies.
The Finance Committee — chaired by Council Member April King, with Council Members Garry Hubble and Adrian Joseph — heard the presentation April 1 without taking a formal vote, leaving final action to the full council.
The Port Allen City Council meets Wednesday, April 8, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 375 Court Street, third floor. WBR Independent will provide coverage of the vote.
