LaKisica Bowman has wanted to wear a badge since she was a child.
That dream, which began when she was just 11 years old, became reality in a new way Tuesday night when Bowman was officially named Ferriday’s new Police Chief during the town’s monthly board meeting.
Alderman Dra’Carl Walker made the motion to hire Bowman, which was seconded by Gail Pryor. Gloria Lloyd and Andre Keys voted in favor of the appointment, while Devonte Schiele cast the lone dissenting vote.
At 27 years old, Bowman steps into the leadership role with a mix of experience, determination and a clear sense of purpose.
“I’m ready to take on the responsibility,” Bowman said. “I know I am more than capable of doing it. Fifty percent of why I wanted to be a police officer is the thrill. I’m not really a behind-the-desk person. The other 50 percent is the love I have for people. I want to be a peacemaker. I try to keep my emotions out of things, which is a long lesson in itself. I try to use logic and keep it professional.”
Bowman graduated from the police academy in November 2021, just one month before earning her degree from Grambling State University. Since then, she has built a wide-ranging résumé in law enforcement and corrections.
Her experience includes five years with Concordia Parish Corrections, two years with Louisiana Probation and Parole and three years with the Jonesville Police Department. She has also worked at Angola, Elayn Hunt Correctional Center and Swanson.
“I have pretty much seen everything,” Bowman said.
While serving as interim chief, Bowman has already implemented changes within the department, including installing new flooring in the dispatch office and reorganizing the department’s arrest report book. She said additional improvements are planned.
“My biggest thing is structure and moral,” she said. “It needs to be a lot better. I’ve worked in big cities, and they don’t play around. That was instilled in me.”
Bowman emphasized that community support will be critical as she leads the department forward. Town leaders echoed that sentiment, pointing to both her qualifications and her willingness to step up.
“I think we need to have a police chief to stay in compliance,” Walker said. “We need some young people stepping up into important positions. She deserves a chance. She’s qualified to be chief, and she’s eager to lead.
This story first appeared in the Concordia Sentinel and a link can be found here.
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