Lake Charles Chief of Police Shawn Caldwell will serve another term following unanimous council approval.

The Lake Charles City Council green-lit Mayor Nic Hunter’s recommendation to reappoint Caldwell as chief of police at the meeting on Wednesday.

The original vote was deferred two weeks ago following concerns about discriminatory police behavior raised by state Rep. Wilford Carter Sr. Several council members expressed simultaneous support for Caldwell and hesitation to reappoint him, stating they have also received complaints about the Lake Charles Police Department.

On Wednesday, Council President Craig Marks, District F, confirmed that a meeting with city council members, community members, Carter and Caldwell was held to address concerns. In addition to general talk of LCPD transparency and accountability, they discussed expanding the community complaint system, bolstering recruitment efforts, increasing community meeting participation and body cameras.

Marks assured that any ongoing issues within the LCPD will be addressed through a concerted, collective effort. He also admitted that the police department does have “bad apples.”

Council Vice President Luvertha August, District B, said she has experienced “100 percent cooperation” with LCPD. She often mediates citizen concerns and complaints. These are “always taken very seriously” and addressed quickly, she said.

“I can’t answer for who feels they have been mistreated … all I can say is when it comes to my constituents, and they need help through me from the city police, they get it.”

Residents also showed support for Caldwell, with multiple saying he was quick to take action when requested.

Franklin Lewis worked in the traffic division with Caldwell before he was made chief. Following his initial appointment, Lewis asked Caldwell to reinstate Pastors on Patrol — a program that sends local pastors out to crime scenes to provide civilian support.

“Within two weeks, he’d done that,” Lewis recalled.

When he informed Caldwell that a Black chaplain was needed, the role was filled in a week.

“Out of all the administrations I’ve worked under — and I started in law enforcement in 1985 — this administration here I have to say is the best that I’ve worked under,” he added.

Council members urged residents to file complaints through the system and reach out to them for assistance if needed.

“Part of rectifying any problem and coming up with solutions starts with our complaints,” Marks said. “If there’s anybody that wants to make a complaint to the city police and you’re afraid, you don’t want to go up there by yourself, call me, call one of the council members, call the mayor.”

Caldwell was appointed as police chief in 2018. His first term expired in January.

He offered a thank you to the council after the vote.

“I’m gonna let y’all get back to business,” he said.