Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran says his department followed established procedures when handling complaints connected to the ongoing dispute involving Life Tabernacle Church. He also disputed claims that officers ignored reports made by Pastor Tony Spell and his supporters.
How Central Police Handle Complaints
Corcoran explained that every complaint made directly to the Central Police Department is documented. Dispatchers gather information, enter it into the department’s computer-aided dispatch system, and send an officer when needed. The department also records incoming phone calls and keeps those recordings for an extended period.
He noted that calls placed to 911 do not go directly to Central Police. Instead, they route through the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office or EMS before reaching the appropriate agency.
Review of Documented Calls
Corcoran said an internal audit found five documented incidents involving the Spell family during the past four years. Two involved traffic crashes. One involved property damage to a mailbox. Another centered on construction workers moving traffic cones. The fifth complaint involved allegations that a neighbor’s son drove recklessly.
He rejected claims that the department ignored repeated requests for help. Corcoran said department records do not support those allegations.
Sheriff’s Office Led the Investigation
Corcoran said the Sheriff’s Office handled the recent assault investigation because deputies arrived first. A Central police officer also responded and remained on scene while deputies completed their investigation.
He added that residents often confuse the Central Police Department with the Sheriff’s Office’s Central Substation. That misunderstanding can lead people to believe they contacted one agency when they actually called the other.
Increased Tensions After the Incident
Since the arrest, Corcoran said his department has received numerous hostile phone calls and emails from Pastor Spell’s supporters. Despite the criticism, he said officers remain focused on following department policy and serving the community professionally.
Corcoran also emphasized that Central Police and the Sheriff’s Office maintain a strong working relationship. The agencies share dispatch information and communicate regularly to coordinate emergency responses.