FORDOCHE — Fordoche Police Chief Jaroed “Tait” Slocum has officially submitted his retirement paperwork to the town and the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office, according to a notice from the secretary of state’s office.
A special election to officially fill the role will be scheduled for spring 2025.
The announcement follows a period of speculation, with Slocum previously hinting at retiring. Earlier this month, he claimed that, despite a report from the Pointe Coupee Banner stating otherwise, he had not yet submitted his retirement paperwork at that time.
Slocum explained that while he had been planning to retire—not resign—he had not finalized the necessary paperwork until this week. Earlier this month, Slocum submitted a letter to several Fordoche Town Council members announcing his retirement, along with sending a letter to the secretary of state’s office, which was received on Nov. 19.
“This letter is to advice my intention to retire under law on December the 1st 2024. I will not be seeking to remain police chief after December the 1st, 2024,” Fordoche Town Manager, Justin Cox, said the letter reads.
The town council and mayor now have 20 days from December 1 to fill the police chief vacancy. If the position isn’t filled within that timeframe, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry will be required to appoint someone. However, Cox said he does not foresee this being an issue.
Cox added that the mayor will make a recommendation for the new chief, which the council will vote on. He also mentioned that a retired captain from the Louisiana State Police, who resides in Fordoche, has expressed interest in the position.
Cox emphasized the importance of finding someone dedicated to both the position and the Fordoche community.
“They don’t want somebody to go insane and be a super cop and bust everybody for every little thing. Common sense community policing is what the people of Fordoche want,” Cox said.
Controversy has surrounded Slocum since his election as Fordoche’s chief of police in 2022. A recent report reviewed by UWK revealed Slocum’s refusal to arrest a Fordoche man accused of illegally discharging a firearm following an argument with his girlfriend. UWK submitted a public records request to the Town of Fordoche for Slocum’s report on the incident. As of November 12, 2024, the town responded that the chief had not yet filed a report but intended to do so that evening.
This incident is the latest in a series of allegations against Slocum in recent months. Among them are accusations of mishandling a rape and voyeurism case involving Mason Troth, a deputy with the East Feliciana Sheriff’s Office.
Slocum was further scrutinized after UWK uncovered claims that he allegedly forcibly relocated a mentally ill man, who was hallucinating, to a remote area outside his jurisdiction without seeking medical assistance. According to reports from the Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Office, Slocum told dispatchers the man was “in mental crisis” but failed to call for proper help.
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