INDReporter

Sheriff 2015: John Rogers makes it official

In a press conference Monday afternoon at the Blue Dog Cafe, John Rogers became the second candidate to officially announce his bid to become the next sheriff of Lafayette Parish.

John Rogers
Photo by Robin May

At a press conference Monday afternoon before a small gathering inside the Blue Dog Cafe, John Rogers became the second candidate to officially announce his bid to become the next sheriff of Lafayette Parish.

Rogers has spent all of his 15 years in law enforcement working under Sheriff Mike Neustrom — who announced earlier this year he won't be seeking reelection in the fall — first as a deputy working in the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. His career has also taken him throughout the streets of the parish, working patrols during both day and night shifts. Rogers assumed his current role after attaining his law degree, becoming a litigation specialist and head of the Sheriff’s Office’s Risk Management division.

The next step, says Rogers, is becoming a “law enforcement leader” for the parish, starting by continuing the progressive initiatives launched under Sheriff Neustrom’s watch.

During Monday’s press conference, here’s what Rogers had to say about his candidacy:

Over the last 15 years, I have watched the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office grow progressively toward the future. I want to lead the sheriff’s office in continuing to grow in the right direction. The people of Lafayette Parish deserve that. I will lead, educate and unify the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office by bridging any existing gaps between various divisions and any disconnect between the deputies, administration and employees. I believe in public service, proactive law enforcement and transparency. As our next sheriff, I will be readily available to the public and our employees. The office of the sheriff is bigger than just one person — it’s about the parish, as a whole, and each of our individual cities, communities and neighborhoods. I will be a very visible sheriff, working hand-in-hand with our citizens and community leaders. I will promote training, education, professional respect and equality.

As sheriff, I will take office as a hard working administrator who has learned law enforcement from the ground up. I will never ask one of my deputies to do anything I would not or have not done in my years of service. I am not part of the "political" system. I believe if you are qualified, well-trained and fit the need of the department you should serve the great people of our parish. We will be a well-trained, respected team that our citizens will be proud of.

Rogers’ announcement comes on the heels of an announcement in January from Scott Police Chief Chad Leger.