My name is Tim Morris, and I am announcing my candidacy for Minden Police Chief.

Minden has been my home for more than 30 years. I have dedicated over 35 years to public service, beginning at the age of 16 as a volunteer firefighter in DeSoto Parish. After serving my country in the United States Army, I joined the Mansfield Police Department in 1993.

In 1995, I joined the Minden Police Department as a patrolman under Chief T.C. Bloxom. Over the next 27 years, I rose through the ranks to Captain under Chief Steve Cropper. Throughout my career, I focused on practical leadership—solving problems, supporting officers, and protecting taxpayers.

During a critical period following the COVID-19 outbreak, when the Minden Police Department faced a severe shortage of patrol vehicles, I was able—through lifelong professional relationships—to secure the donation of eight surplus police vehicles from DeSoto Parish. These vehicles ensured officers could continue responding to calls and that public safety was not compromised while replacement units were obtained.

Those same professional contacts later helped Minden acquire newer patrol units through a piggyback purchasing program approved by the Louisiana Legislature, created specifically to address post-COVID shortages of police equipment. These efforts strengthened the department while minimizing costs to taxpayers and demonstrated the value of experience, relationships, and responsible leadership.

Why I’m Running

I retired in 2023 after witnessing what I believe to be a pattern of toxic behavior and serious leadership concerns involving Minden Police Chief Jared McIver.

Over the past two years, I have watched the Minden Police Department struggle under Chief McIver’s leadership in ways that have damaged morale and undermined the professionalism of our officers. These concerns are not mine alone. Leadership issues involving Chief McIver have been publicly raised by law enforcement leaders and city officials.

The Louisiana Law Enforcement Association’s Executive Director has publicly characterized Chief Jared McIver’s behavior as egregious, and Mayor Nicholas Cox has openly questioned Chief McIver’s ability to lead, stating that McIver’s actions have decayed morale and fostered an unstable work environment within the department.

I have personally become aware of recorded interactions involving officers shouting at one another in a manner that can only be described as toxic. When experienced, well-trained officers resign or leave without cause, it is a direct reflection of leadership failure—not a lack of commitment by those officers.

Each time an officer leaves, the City of Minden loses valuable experience and thousands of taxpayer dollars invested in recruiting, training, and certification. This revolving loss of personnel weakens public safety and places additional strain on the officers who remain.

My Vision for Minden

As Police Chief, I will restore professionalism, accountability, and trust—both within the department and throughout the community. My priorities include:

• Clear and consistent communication with the Mayor’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, and city leadership
• Fair and lawful policing that treats all citizens with dignity and respect
• Community engagement through an open-door leadership approach
• Responsible use of resources by securing grants, equipment, and partnerships to strengthen the department—not to compensate for past administrative failures or poor decision-making
• A diligent, long-term commitment to recruiting and retaining quality officers, creating a stable work environment that values experience, supports professional growth, and puts an end to the revolving door of turnover within the Minden Police Department

Community Safety

Effective policing is rooted in service, prevention, and presence. My approach includes:

• Increased police visibility and targeted patrols in high-need areas
• Strong partnerships with neighborhood watches, schools, faith leaders, and community organizations
• Reducing burglary, theft, drug trafficking, DUIs, and domestic violence
• Presenting data-driven solutions to city leaders to lower crime and improve response times

Minden was once recognized as the Friendliest City in Louisiana. I am committed to keeping it safe, welcoming, and strong.

Commitment to Minden

Leadership matters. Experience matters. Integrity matters.

With your support, we can restore pride in the Minden Police Department, rebuild morale among our officers, and renew confidence in our city’s leadership.

Vote Tim Morris for Minden Police Chief
Together, we can build a safer, stronger Minden.