Jeffery Mathews has been appointed the new chief of police for the city of Jeanerette. This comes after the former chief’s resignation in May.
The Jeanerette Board of Aldermen appointed Matthews as the new chief of police Monday night. Since 2010, Matthews served as a deputy marshall in Jeanerette. Before that, he worked as a deputy for the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office beginning in 2005.
Matthews says he wants to bring unity back to the department. “The first thing I want to try to do is get stability back in the office. Get my officers to have someone they can trust in to move forward. They have been through a lot.”
Matthews was chosen from a group of four applicants. The position became available following the former chief, Marvin Grogan’s resignation. Grogan was arrested for his alleged involvement in criminal activity at the Lipstick Gentlemen’s Club in Lafayette.
Matthews says his main goal is to re-gain the trust of the community. “Just to have my officers go out, and have myself go out. Re-meet the people. Let them understand what happened has happened, that was the past. We need to move forward from that and understand that the police department is here for them. And we just want to be here to assist them.”
Matthews admits he has a big task ahead of him, but he feels his experience and plans to network with outside agencies will make a difference. “I feel I can do the job. I know I can do the job. I have people in the community that are confident in me. And I won’t let them down.”
Chief Matthews says he is excited to make some positive changes in the community.
This week was Matthews’ first week as chief. You may recall former chief Grogan resigned and was charged with one count of malfeasance in office and two counts of principal to obscenity.
He’s due back in court September 1st.