Ray Lucas Named Police Chief at UL Lafayette

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Ray Lucas is no stranger to the police force at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In the early 1990s, he was a student officer and is a graduate of the Acadiana Law Enforcement Training Academy.

Police Chief Ray Lucas On Oct. 1, Lucas was appointed Police Chief pending approval by the UL System Board of Supervisors later this month. He replaces Gerald Bertinot who retired in 2005.

“ Chief Lucas brings a wealth of knowledge about the department and campus to this position because of his work as an undergraduate,” said Dean of Students Edward Pratt. “He’s a perfect match for the department and its’ continued mission of putting safety first for this university community.”

Prior to this recent position, Lucas practiced civil law in Lafayette for a Metairie firm, where he handled insurance cases. He also taught in UL Lafayette’s History Department as an adjunct instructor for two semesters.

Lucas earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees at UL Lafayette, both in History. His law studies were at LSU.

“ I bring the added ability to see both sides of the spectrum of policing to the chief’s position,” said Lucas. “Like police officers, attorneys have to negotiate and utilize diplomacy in their jobs. I’m going to use my experience as both at UL Lafayette.”

He noted the mission of the police force has always been to make UL Lafayette and its students, faculty and staff as safe as possible. That will continue under Lucas’ watch.

“ The mission of University Police is to facilitate a safe environment conducive to learning and personnel in the department carry out this mission with excellence,” he said.