Justice Dept. launches investigation into Ville Platte Police Department and Evangeline Parish Sheriff's office

The United States Justice Department announced Tuesday that it has opened “pattern or practice” investigations into the use of investigative holds by the Ville Platte Police Department (VPPD) and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office (EPSO). The investigations will focus on allegations that VPPD and EPSO officers use “investigative holds” to detain individuals without proper cause, and on the adequacy of VPPD and EPSO’s training, supervision and accountability mechanisms to prevent unlawful seizures. The Justice Department’s investigations will determine whether VPPD and EPSO officers engage in a pattern or practice of using investigative holds in violation of the Constitution and federal law.
“No individual should be detained without proper cause or arrested in violation of his or her civil rights,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “As these investigations move forward, the Department of Justice will work to ensure that the actions of the Ville Platte Police Department and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office are in service of our shared mission, consistent with our common values, and in accordance with the Constitution that we are sworn to uphold.”
The Justice Department has contacted officials at VPPD, EPSO, the city of Ville Platte and Evangeline Parish, and will continue to work closely with these law enforcement agencies and municipalities as the investigations progress.
“Police officers across the country are called upon regularly to use their law enforcement authority to protect and safeguard members of their communities by investigating criminal activity,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Civil Rights Division. “It is imperative that officers use their authority within the boundaries of the law and the Constitution. We are eager to work together with the Ville Platte Police Department, Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office and the local municipalities to help ensure that their officers are engaged in law enforcement practices that are consistent with the Constitution.”
“All of us who work in law enforcement should be focused on due process every day,” said U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley of the Western District of Louisiana. “Each citizen deserves to be treated with respect and in accordance with the Constitution. We will continue to work with all of our local partners to ensure that arrests and detentions are proper and legal, with the goal of having safeguards in place to make sure that similar violations do not occur in the future.”
The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 prohibits state and local governments from engaging in a pattern or practice of misconduct by law enforcement officers that deprives individuals of federally-protected rights. The act also allows the Justice Department to remedy such misconduct through civil litigation. The Justice Department has conducted similar investigations and has obtained important reforms in police departments and law enforcement agencies across the country.
The Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. is conducting the investigations. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Justice Department by phone at 1-877-218-5228.
Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine issued a statement saying “We will comply and cooperate 100 percent with the investigation by the Justice Department. We will be completely transparent and thorough with all information they request. Our goal will be to take any corrective measures which they recommend or mandate in reference to their findings. Protecting and serving the citizens of our community is the priority here and that will not be compromised.”
Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue stated the Ville Platte Police Department will cooperate with the Justice Department to ensure that it is not violating anyone’s constitutional rights. “At this point in time I feel that all is in order with the department,” Lartige said. “If there are any findings, the department will put corrective action into place to ensure that the department is compliant.”
Sheriff Eddie Soileau released a statement saying that he and the “Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office are fully prepared to cooperate and assist in the investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice in reference to the allegations that deputies used investigative holds and other witness detention procedures in violation of the Fourth Amendment.
“The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office feels the agency has been in compliance with all required practices, procedures, policies and training required by law, since being notified of said changes in laws. This agency looks forward to resolving this matter in a timely manner. Should any violations of the Fourth Amendment by this agency be found, these violations will be corrected immediately to ensure that no person’s constitutional or federal statutory rights are violated at any time, ensuring due process of law.”