History

The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice was created by Executive Order #59 in 1967. The agency evolved from administering the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA) federal grant funds to a central point for criminal justice policy planning and development for the state. In 1968, Congress enacted the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act that channeled federal monies to local and state law enforcement agencies. With the passage of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act came the new concept of cooperation and collaboration among all law enforcement agencies (Sheriffs, Police Departments, Prosecutors, etc.). The state had already been delineated into eight (8) regional graphic areas called Economic Development Districts for the purpose of promoting economic and industrial development. This concept was transferred to the purpose of functioning as the local law enforcement advisory committee in an effort to implement the comprehensive planning requirement. This gave birth to the local Law Enforcement Planning Districts. The Commission and Planning Districts serve many purposes but none so important as the need to bring together those persons most familiar with problems of law enforcement and the administration of criminal justice, including the disposition and treatment of persons convicted of crime, for the purpose of studying and encouraging the adoption of methods by which law enforcement can be made more effective and justice administered more efficiently and fairly, to the end that citizens may be more fully protected.

District 5 - Capital District Law Enforcement Planning Council was incorporated on December 9, 1969. District 5 consists of the eleven (11) parishes surrounding the Louisiana capital area. These parishes are Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana with a total population of 1,028,150. The Board of Directors are composed of members within the District that represent parish law enforcement, criminal justice, local government, and crime victim service providers. The Board of Directors are elected each year by the membership. Capital District holds 3-4 meetings in a calendar year.

Capital District provides assistance to local law enforcement, prosecutions, courts, and private non-profits which present a specific need and request funding for these needs within the eleven (11) parish area. Capital District aids agencies with writing proposals for funding, writing and submitting applications, and any other assistance that is needed. These proposals and applications are submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. All approved requests are then submitted to Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and its various boards and committees for approval. At various times throughout the grant period, Capital District will monitor the programs to ensure success of all programs.

In 2024 we will celebrate our 55th year of existence as a local law enforcement planning council.