Colonel Mike Edmonson is the State Police Superintendent. Here lately his department, his position, and he himself have been under fire. The latest incident to cloud the position of head of the State Police involves illegal campaign donations.

Just a few weeks ago there were many questions concerning improper expenditures by some troopers who were traveling out of state on official business.

For an organization that prides itself on a reputation beyond reproach. These are not the best of times.

Mike Edmonson, as the head of the organization, is largely responsible for the problems. The buck stops with the superintendent.

President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, Rafael Goyeneche made those comments to the Louisiana Radio Network.

As much as I admire Colonel Edmonson and his incredible officers, I have to agree. with Mr. Goyeneche. Colonel Edmonson is the leader of this organization. If we the public are supposed to maintain the highest respect for the job they do, they and he especially do have to be held to a higher standard.

I am certainly not besmirching the reputation of the many Troopers who unselfishly put their lives on the line for us every day. I have the utmost respect and admiration for them. I am proud to say that I have some very close connections with many of those Troopers. I believe these men and women are working in their jobs and living their lives with the utmost character a human being can have.

Still, the court of public opinion is a court that does not wear a blindfold nor is it always fair. I have seen Colonel Edmonson at many a late night press conference making sure the residents of our state feel safe and secure in the knowledge that he and his troopers are on the job and all is well.

However, once the public has any reason to mistrust then that trust is broken.

Colonel Edmonson has denied having knowledge of the possible misuse of state funds while those Troopers were traveling out of state. While I believe that is entirely plausible. It's not acceptable.

When you are the one in charge you are in charge of all things. If you have staff members who allow discrepancies then the ultimate responsibility for those actions falls on you as their supervisor. This is truly a very disappointing Catch 22.

The Legislative Auditor's Office is set to launch their own investigation into the current and previous allegations.

Whether he comes or goes, stays or leaves, I believe that both of the investigations need to go forward, and I believe they will go forward.

Regardless, Colonel Edmonson is still on the job and any rumors of his resignation are still just that. That could change as these investigations go forward.

 

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