New Assistant Chief Position and Smart Speed Signs Signal Department’s Technology-Driven Evolution
PORT ALLEN – The Port Allen Police Department is undergoing its most significant modernization in years, with the city council approving comprehensive leadership restructuring and authorizing digital speed enforcement technology during meetings this week.
Leadership Overhaul
In unanimous votes last Wednesday, the council authorized Police Chief Donovan Mitchell to promote three veteran officers and create a new assistant chief position as the department shifts toward administrative oversight and modern operations.
Lieutenant Kendra Wisham was promoted to Captain, Sergeant Alaric Celestaine to Lieutenant, and Officer Adrian Buchanan to Corporal . The council also approved creating an assistant chief position, filled by Revay Smith.
“My whole career I’ve worked with all three of these individuals,” Chief Mitchell told the council during committee meetings July 2nd. “They gain a lot of experience. These are the three that I actually trust to help me with my administration.”
Rather than expanding the force, the city abolished a police officer position vacant since 2016 to fund the assistant chief role. The promoted officers will transition away from overtime-eligible patrol duties to focus on administrative responsibilities.
“When I leave like in a couple weeks I got to go to the chief conference, I know I’m leaving the police department in good hands,” Mitchell explained. “I think it’s important that you have somebody to be more or less a point man if you’re not here.”
Captain Wisham will oversee uniform patrol operations entirely, while Lieutenant Celeststeine will coordinate the Field Training Officer program and work with the Criminal Intelligence Division. Corporal Buchanan, with over 15 years of law enforcement experience, has been instrumental in filling shifts and training duties.
Digital Enforcement Initiative
The leadership changes coincide with the department’s move toward technology-driven enforcement. The council introduced an ordinance to fund $13,000 for four portable digital speed limit signs that can issue tickets and collect comprehensive traffic data.
“Ever since I’ve been here, I’m pretty sure you guys have heard a lot of people complain about a lot of people speeding around Port Allen,” Mitchell told council members. “One of the biggest things I wanted to do, especially since my officers just can’t sit in certain spots all day.”
The smart signs represent a significant upgrade from traditional enforcement methods. Mitchell can control all functions remotely through his phone, including real-time notifications when violations occur and data collection on traffic patterns.
“I’ll be able to get notification on everything. I control everything from my phone,” the chief explained. The signs can flash warnings, collect speed data, and enable targeted enforcement based on violation patterns.
When asked about potential aggressive enforcement, Mitchell assured council members he maintains control over ticketing policies. “I can control it. So, once we end up getting into that particular area, we’ll just start monitoring due to what they do with the notifications.”
The portable units allow strategic deployment based on citizen complaints and traffic data, providing flexibility that fixed cameras cannot offer. Originally budgeted for $15,000 with mixed solar and portable units, Mitchell refined the request to focus entirely on portable signs after consulting with vendor Radar Signs.
Technology Infrastructure
The modernization extends beyond enforcement tools. The council also approved a $15,983.95 contract with Essential Solutions for police department server computer upgrades and labor, ensuring the department’s technology infrastructure can support new digital initiatives.
Additionally, city hall received approval for $33,102.60 in technology upgrades, including migration to Microsoft 365 and Exchange online server systems, creating integrated communication and data management capabilities across city operations.
Budget and Implementation
Finance Director Adrian Daigle confirmed the budget accommodates all promotions within existing salary allocations. The digital speed signs require moving funds from general supplies and equipment line items, as they must be classified as capital expenditures.
The speed sign ordinance requires a public hearing before final adoption, giving residents opportunity to comment on the enforcement initiative. The hearing will be scheduled for the next council meeting.
Strategic Vision
The coordinated changes reflect Chief Mitchell’s vision for a modern, administratively sophisticated department that leverages technology to maximize limited resources while maintaining community-focused policing.
The restructuring addresses succession planning and administrative continuity while the digital enforcement tools enable data-driven traffic management throughout the city.
“A lot of these changes and all these adaptations of the department is what help balance a lot of these things out,” Mitchell said, referring to workload distribution among promoted officers.
Community Safety Enhancement
The department’s modernization efforts also include establishing a Safe Transaction Spot behind city hall, providing residents with a secure location for online purchases and other transactions requiring a safe meeting place.
The modernization positions Port Allen’s police department at the forefront of small-city law enforcement innovation, balancing traditional patrol functions with 21st-century administrative needs and enforcement capabilities while enhancing community safety services.
The promotions are effective immediately following July 9th council approval. The digital speed enforcement ordinance will receive final consideration after a public hearing at the next council meeting.
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