The Operational Development Section consists of the Planning and Research Units. The Section functions as staff for Colonel Robert P. Hodges.
The Planning Unit is tasked with producing the Strategic Plan, Operational Plan, and the management of numerous federal grants. The Research Unit is responsible for the development of policy and procedure, legislative concerns, general research, and numerous special projects.
The Planning Unit provides essential staff support to the Superintendent and command staff of the Louisiana State Police. Its core responsibilities include preparing Strategic and Operational Plans, documenting Performance Indicators, reporting Special Meals, conducting data analysis to inform organizational priorities, and supporting the efficient allocation of resources.
The Unit plays a crucial role in analyzing statistical data to inform decision-making and enhance the Department's overall performance. By evaluating operational trends and outcomes, the Planning Unit helps ensure that departmental strategies remain aligned with public safety objectives and evolving law enforcement needs.
In addition to planning and analysis, the Unit supports the implementation of initiatives aimed at enhancing officer and public safety through the use of improved technologies and methodologies. For example, modernized traffic enforcement tools—such as in-car video systems, updated radar and LIDAR units, and traffic crash reconstruction equipment—have strengthened the Department’s capabilities in both enforcement and crash investigation.
As the Louisiana State Police continues to evolve, the Planning Unit remains a key contributor to strategic development and operational efficiency, helping to uphold the professionalism and effectiveness of the Louisiana State Police.
The Grants Unit is responsible for developing, overseeing, and administering federal and state grants on behalf of the Department. This includes ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, maintaining proper documentation, and coordinating with funding agencies to support key law enforcement initiatives.
Each year, the Unit manages a diverse portfolio of federal grants focused on areas such as highway safety, drug enforcement, officer training, and public safety programs. Funding is received from organizations like the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE), the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC), the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and other federal partners. These grants support personnel costs pertaining to enforcement measures, training initiatives, equipment purchases, and public education efforts that enhance the safety and effectiveness of Louisiana State Police operations and public safety.
In addition to managing its own grant programs, the Grants Unit serves as a liaison and provides application and compliance support to other sections of the Department, including the Crime Lab, Patrol, Bureau of Investigation, Hazmat, and other specialized units. The Unit plays a vital role in securing external funding to support the Department’s mission and ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.
Over the past several years, the Research Unit has achieved significant accomplishments. One of the most notable achievements includes the comprehensive revision of the agency’s policies and procedures, along with other essential departmental forms. These documents were successfully integrated into the web-based PowerDMS application, which serves as the central repository for the agency's policies, procedures, and other compliance documentation. Doing so has greatly enhanced accessibility and streamlined the process of locating critical resources for Department of Public Safety (DPS) personnel.
The Research Unit continues its longstanding role as the Departmental liaison with state legislators and legislative operations during the Louisiana Legislative Sessions. Louisiana State Police (LSP) personnel have consistently supported this effort by providing timely and accurate information to elected officials through the legislative process. Additionally, unit personnel work closely with bill authors to refine legislative instruments to best serve both the Department and the broader public interest. The Unit also coordinates additional security resources for the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Governor’s Office during legislative sessions in support of Capitol Security.
A continued point of pride for the Unit is its ongoing initiative to modernize and update departmental policies and procedures. The Research Unit has played a crucial role in this process by conducting numerous studies that inform the development and revision of departmental policies and procedures, aligning them with current professional standards and best practices.
