FERRIDAY— An ordinance that would establish an elected chief of police for Ferriday was brought up quietly during Tuesday’s alderman meeting but could make noise during its public hearing next month.

The ordinance, introduced by Alderman Elijah “Stepper” Banks, would change the town’s current policy, which allows the mayor to appoint the chief of police.

“The people don’t have any opportunity to select who they want as their police chief,” Banks said. “That just doesn’t seem right.”

Ferriday Police Chief Johnny Evans said he didn’t want to make a comment on the proposed ordinance, but did say he thought the mayor should have the right to appoint the position.

Mayor Glen McGlothin said he’s always thought the chief of police position should be elected.

“I think it takes some politics out of the mayor’s position, and lets the police chief be more accountable to the people,” McGlothin said. “I’ve always thought that’s how it should be.”

Currently, McGlothin said when the mayor of Ferriday takes office, he or she appoints three positions — chief of police, city clerk and town attorney.

But those apointees also have to be approved by the board of alderman before taking office.

Ferriday Mayor-Elect Gene Allen will take the helm of Town Hall in July and said he’s not clear as to how an elected police chief would fall into the town’s budget.

“At this point, I don’t know if we’re economically able to carry an elected police chief,” Allen said. “I’m not pro or con because I don’t have all the details, but if it’s going to affect our finances, I don’t think that would work.”

Allen also said he believed the ordinance wouldn’t take affect until the next mayor takes office, because he will have appointed a police chief before the next election.

“The chief’s term would start on July 1 and that would last four years,” Allen said. “A lot of this is still unclear, so we’re going to move forward with what we have.”

The Lawrason Act, which is a set of laws that Louisiana municipalities — including Ferriday — are governed by, says if a board goes from an elected chief of police to an appointed chief, the first appointment must be made at the end of the term of the chief in office.

John Gallagher, attorney at the Louisiana Municipal Association, said he couldn’t recall any cases similar to Ferriday’s situation, but believed the job security of an appointed police chief could vary.

“Basically, I don’t think an appointed official has the same constitutional protection as if you were an elected official,” Gallagher said. “An elected official has certain protections, unlike an appointed official.”

The proposed ordinance also states that the candidates for the chief of police position would be on the November 2012 ballot.

But Gallagher said that’s not possible.

The town’s voters must first vote to switch to an elected chief — which would be on the ballot in November if approved by the board.

If the ordinance to elect a chief of police passes, Gallagher said the candidates could be on the next election ballot.

A public hearing, and a vote on the amendment will take place at the board’s June 12 meeting.