Grand Isle native to become new head of Louisiana State Police

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Colonel Robert Hodges has announced he is stepping down as superintendent of Louisiana State Police. WAFB last month was first to report he was on his way out as head of that agency.

RELATED: Sources: LSP Col. Hodges expected to step down

In an internal statement released to Department of Public Safety employees Friday, Hodges said, “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.” He added that since being appointed superintendent in 2024, the agency “modernized its law enforcement tools and technologies,” reformed proactive public safety operations and strengthened partnerships with local, state and federal agencies.

Hodges said he has notified Gov. Jeff Landry of his intent to retire this fall and thanked Landry, his staff and the legislature for their support. He also said he plans to work with DPS leadership, LSP command staff and public safety partners in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.

Gov. Jeff Landry has appointed Lt. Col. Frank Besson to succeed him.

Besson currently serves as LSP’s assistant superintendent.

Besson’s biography on the Louisiana State Police website says he began his career with the agency in 1999 as a patrol trooper assigned to Troop C in Houma.

A native of Grand Isle, 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.

Besson has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, including previous service as a Grand Isle police officer and a Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s deputy. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has received multiple commendations and awards, including Professional Excellence, the Meritorious Service Award and unit citations.

As WAFB previously reported, Hodges was expected to step down so he could seek appointment as the next U.S. marshal for the Eastern District of Louisiana, which includes the New Orleans area, a source said.

Hodges was appointed the 27th superintendent of the Louisiana State Police in 2024. He has worked with the agency for 31 years and previously served as an intelligence officer in the Louisiana Army National Guard Reserve.

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