Dear Opelousas Residents,
I am reaching out to you with a heavy heart and a deep sense of responsibility in light of the events
that transpired Friday, December 22, 2023. As your Chief of Police, it is my duty to ensure the
safety and well-being of our community, and recent events have raised concerns that I cannot
ignore.
The night of December 22,2023, my wife and I were involved in a disturbing incident that resulted
in both of us being hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The circumstances leading to
this unfortunate incident are deeply personal, and I want to be forthright with you. My actions have
caused pain and distress, not only to my family but also to our community.
I must acknowledge the role I played in this unfortunate situation. I have failed in my commitment
to uphold the standards expected of the Chief of Police and, more importantly, failed the trust you
have placed in me. Infidelity is a breach of not only the personal commitments I made but also the
professional standards we all expect from those in public service.
I want to express my sincere apologies to my wife, my family, all parties involved, and to each and
every member of our community. I understand the importance of regaining your trust, and I am
fully committed to taking the necessary steps to address this situation head-on.
Moving forward, I will cooperate fully with any investigations and legal proceedings that may arise
from this incident. Additionally, I am initiating an internal review to ensure that the actions of
myself and those within the police department uphold the values and integrity that our community
deserves.
I recognize that trust is not easily regained, but I am dedicated to earning back your confidence
through transparency, accountability, and a renewed commitment to serving our community with
the highest standards of professionalism.
I understand the gravity of the situation, and I am committed to working tirelessly to restore
the trust you have placed in me and in the Opelousas Police Department. Your safety and well-
being remain our top priorities, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving you.
Sincerely,
Graig LeBlanc, Opelousas Chief of Police
