LOUISIANA, Mo. —  The City of Louisiana will be looking for a new chief of police following the resignation of April Epperson on Tuesday.

Changes to staffing of the department had been implemented at the recommendation of Mayor Marvin Brown. Will Jones was hired by the city over a year ago and was recently installed as deputy chief with the rank of captain. Brown told Eagle 102 News that Jones has procedural and investigative experience.

“Captain Jones has already begun to implement measures that better align with state law and law enforcement norms. His job was to focus on day-to-day operations,” Brown explained.

He added the chief had been tasked with ramping up community relations and grant writing efforts, and noted these changes within the department have been discussed at length over time following a department audit.

The city has an opening for an officer in addition to the position of chief. Brown said he wasn’t sure if an interim chief would be named since Jones is handling day-to-day operations. He said that he will be meeting with City Administrator Kelly Henderson this Friday, Oct. 9 to discuss the matter more fully.

Brown declined further comment on recent staffing decisions due to privacy rights and matters falling under personnel within the city.

“All I can tell you is that I’m always going to recommend what I feel best serves the interest of the entire community,” Brown stated.

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