LOUISIANA, Mo. — The following release from Louisiana Mayor Tim Carter was provided the afternoon of Tuesday, December 9th:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Louisiana, Missouri
Office of the Mayor
December 9, 2025

Statement from Mayor Tim Carter Regarding the Louisiana Police Department Response at 1210 Georgia Street
On behalf of the City of Louisiana, I am issuing this statement to clarify the events that took place on October 29, 2025, when personnel from the Louisiana Police Department responded to a report of possible squatters at the residence located at 1210 Georgia Street.

Officers were dispatched after the City received information that individuals were unlawfully occupying the property. Upon arrival, officers encountered an individual who identified themselves as the property manager for the homeowner. This individual was recognized by officers as a known employee affiliated with the homeowner and, in that capacity, requested that the Police Department assist in removing unauthorized occupants from the residence. The individual stated that no one was permitted to be inside the home and expressly granted consent for officers to enter.

Based on the information presented at the time, and the authority represented by the individual on scene, officers acted within their legal authority by gaining entry into the residence. Once inside, officers conducted a standard protective sweep of the property and located evidence indicating that someone had recently been inside. Officers then began efforts to identify the individual(s) responsible and continued their investigation accordingly.

After clearing the scene, officers were contacted by another party claiming to be the financial representative of the homeowner. That individual expressed the belief that the property manager did not have the authority to grant access to the residence. Officers informed the reporting party that if the homeowner wished to pursue charges related to false representation or unauthorized access granted by that individual, the Police Department would fully assist with any resulting criminal investigation.

Good-Faith Conduct by the Louisiana Police Department
The actions taken by Chief Baker and the responding officers were consistent with the legal principle of good faith, which refers to an officer’s reasonable reliance on information or consent provided at the time of an incident. Good-faith actions occur when officers make decisions based on what a reasonable officer would believe to be accurate, lawful, and appropriate given the circumstances they face.

In this case, officers were presented with:
-A credible report of trespassing and potential unlawful occupancy
-A person on scene who was known to be associated with the homeowner and who claimed managerial authority
-Direct consent from that person to enter and secure the property

Under these conditions, officers acted appropriately, responsibly, and in accordance with their duty to protect property, ensure public safety, and prevent potential criminal activity. Their conduct was guided by the information they had available at the time, and their efforts were directed toward determining whether criminal activity had occurred and ensuring the property was secure.

Review of the Incident and Body-Worn Camera Documentation
The City has thoroughly reviewed the entire incident. Importantly, the response and actions of Chief Baker and the involved officers were fully captured on body-worn camera footage, which has been reviewed and confirms that the officers acted professionally and in good faith throughout the encounter. The recorded footage documents the consent provided, the officers’ approach, and their conduct inside the residence, further validating that the actions taken were appropriate and lawful.

Commitment to Transparency and Public Trust
The City of Louisiana and the Louisiana Police Department remain committed to full transparency, accountability, and professionalism. We appreciate the community’s patience as we review the facts and address questions related to this incident. We stand behind Chief Baker and the officers involved, whose actions reflected a reasonable and good-faith response to the information provided to them on scene.

For any further questions, please contact my office or the Louisiana Police Department for additional clarification.

Mayor Tim Carter
City of Louisiana, Missouri