Police officers to wear minicameras

Ville Platte police will soon be wearing cameras that will help to establish proof of what occurs during traffic, domestic abuse or any other incidents that police respond to.
During the Ville Platte City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 11, Mayor Jennifer Vidrine said the recording system will “help keep everyone honest and will keep everyone safe.” She said the audio and video recordings will be admissible in court if necessary.
The mayor said she learned of the system at a recent conference where it was demonstrated, adding that learning about new technology is another example of the advantages of attending conferences.
The mayor said a representative of the company providing the recording system will train all Ville Platte police officers on how to use the system. All police officers will be provided with the minicameras and Chief Lartigue said all officers will be required to have the cameras while on duty.
The council voted to purchase the recording system during the meeting.
The council also praised the Ville Platte High Lady Bulldogs for recently placing as state runner-up in the Class 3-A tournament in Lake Charles. Mayor Vidrine presented Head Coch Dot Doulet with a proclamation naming March 11, Lady Bulldogs Day, a large team photo and other awards.
The mayor announced that the Lady Bulldogs will ride a fire truck in a parade on Saturday, March 15, starting at 5 p.m. at Citizens Bank, proceeding east on Main Street, turning left onto Tate Cove Road, then left onto LaSalle Street. The parade will end at the Northside Park pavilion, where the city will host a music program led by a DJ that will be open to the public.
Praising the Lady Bulldogs for their achievements, Mayor Vidrine said it was a good demonstration of “girl power,” and that the team made their team, school, Ville Platte and the state proud. The city council, mayor and all those in the audience gave the team a standing ovation.
A table in the meeting room had boxes of pizza and an ice chest of drinks for the team to enjoy just after the meeting ended.
In other city council business:
•Fire Chief Ted Demourelle reported that there were 22 calls for assistance in February, 15 in Ville Platte. Seven of the calls involving structure fires. Chief Lartigue said police responded to 641 calls in February, including 27 vehicle accidents and nine felony arrests. No fatalities were involved in fire or police incidents.
•Councilman Mike Perron thanked everyone involved in making the Swamp Pop Reunion dance “a big success,” including Mike Ducet, Northside Park manager.
•Councilman Taranza Arvie asked about progress the city is making on his request for information about city expenses related to travel between January 2011 and October 2013. He was told it was taking time to compile the information, but that the task is almost complete.
•Mayor Vidrine reported the city spent $54,395 more in February than in January, mostly due to quarterly payments due and to legal fees.