Gov. Landry Names Lt. Col. Frank Besson to Lead Louisiana State Police Following Hodges' Retirement Announcement

BATON ROUGE, La. — Governor Jeff Landry has selected Louisiana State Police Assistant Superintendent Lt. Col. Frank Besson to become the agency's next superintendent following the retirement announcement of current Superintendent Col. Robert P. Hodges.

Colonel Robert Hodges and Lt. Col. Frank Besson(LSP)

The leadership transition comes after Hodges informed Department of Public Safety employees that he plans to retire this fall, concluding a 31-year career with Louisiana State Police. Hodges has served as the agency's 27th superintendent since being appointed by Landry in 2024.

In a statement to employees, Hodges reflected on his tenure leading the agency and highlighted several accomplishments achieved during his time as superintendent.

"It has been an incredible honor to serve as the 27th Superintendent of the Louisiana State Police and wear the uniform of a Louisiana State Police Trooper over the last 31 years," Hodges said in the statement. He also noted that the agency had modernized law enforcement technology, reformed proactive public safety operations and strengthened partnerships with local, state and federal agencies during his administration.

Hodges said he has notified Governor Landry of his intention to retire and plans to work closely with agency leadership and public safety partners to ensure a smooth transition in the months ahead.

Landry has tapped Besson, the agency's current assistant superintendent, to assume the department's top leadership role. In a statement posted on social media, the governor thanked Hodges for his service and expressed confidence in Besson's ability to lead the agency moving forward.

"I want to thank Colonel Hodges for his many years of dedicated service to the Louisiana State Police," Landry said. "Louisiana is stronger and safer because of his commitment to this state and its people."

A native of Grand Isle, Besson brings more than three decades of law enforcement experience to the position. He began his Louisiana State Police career in 1999 as a patrol trooper assigned to Troop C in Houma. Prior to joining State Police, Besson served as a Grand Isle police officer and deputy with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office.

Besson earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Nicholls State University and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Louisiana State University at Alexandria. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has received numerous commendations throughout his law enforcement career, including awards for professional excellence and meritorious service.

The appointment had been widely anticipated in recent weeks, with multiple reports identifying Besson as the leading candidate to succeed Hodges. Questions regarding the future of the current superintendent had circulated for months amid reports that Hodges was considering a transition to a federal law enforcement role.

Louisiana State Police serves as the state's primary law enforcement agency, providing statewide patrol, criminal investigations, emergency response and public safety services across Louisiana.

Besson is expected to officially assume leadership of the agency upon Hodges' retirement later this year.