Overview
- Col. Robert P. Hodges announced Friday that he will retire this fall after more than 31 years with the agency and about two and a half years as superintendent.
- Gov. Jeff Landry named Lt. Col. Frank Besson as the expected successor and said Besson will begin transitioning into the role over the coming months.
- Hodges said his tenure focused on modernizing law enforcement tools and technology, changing proactive public-safety operations, and expanding partnerships with local, state and federal agencies.
- Hodges told officials he will work with leaders across the Department of Public Safety and LSP command staff to manage a smooth handover, but no exact retirement date has been released.
- The leadership change follows earlier agency scrutiny over trooper misconduct under former Col. Lamar Davis, including the Ronald Greene case, and officials say the transition will be watched for its effect on accountability and continued reforms.