Louisiana State Police Names New Chief Administrative Officer

Baton Rouge – On January 13, 2025, Colonel Robert P. Hodges announced the appointment of Lt. Colonel Robert A. Burns II as the agency’s Chief Administrative Officer. The role of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is to oversee and direct the day-to-day operations of the Office of Management and Finance (OMF) in support of the Department of Public Safety – Public Safety Services, which includes the Louisiana State Police, Office of Motor Vehicles, State Fire Marshal, Office of Legal Affairs, Gaming Control Board, LP Gas Commission, and Highway Safety Commission. OMF manages a $600 million budget, and provides support to approximately 2,600 Public Safety Services employees. Due to the intricasies required of the role of CAO, LTC Burns will double encumber with current CAO LTC Greg Graphia, who is expected to retire later this year with over 30 years of LSP service.

LTC Burns has served with the Louisiana State Police for over 23 years. He began his career at Troop A in Baton Rouge in 2001. He has held supervisory positions at Troop A, the Deputy Superintendent of Patrol’s office, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, and Operational Development, where he served as Commander and the Department’s Chief Legislative Liaison. In 2022, LTC Burns was assigned as the first Commander of the newly-formed Professional Standards & Compliance Section, which was created to oversee the Department’s implementation of 21st Century Policing initiatives. In 2023, he was promoted to the rank of Major and served as Executive Staff Officer to Colonel Lamar A. Davis. Most recently, he served as Executive Staff Officer to Colonel Robert P. Hodges, and also served as the Strategic Support Command Inspector, overseeing the commands of Operational Development, Public Affairs, Professional Standards & Compliance, and Recruiting. LTC Burns holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Criminology from LSU, and a Master of Business Administration from LSU Shreveport. He is also the President of the Louisiana Trooper Foundation.

On behalf of the Louisiana State Police and the Department of Public Safety family, congratulations are extended to LTC Burns.

More information on the history and various sections of LSP can be found by visiting lsp.org and clicking on the "About" tab. Those interested in pursuing a career with LSP are encouraged to visit our Recruiting page for more information.

Contact Information:
Lt. Jared L. Sandifer
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (225) 925-6202
[email protected]