Mayor Joe Lee Cuts Off Discussion as Residents Press for Answers on Beloved SRO

Mayor Joe Lee Cuts Off Discussion as Residents Press for Answers on Beloved SRO

What began as a discussion about Pearl River’s School Resource Officer program quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of Tuesday’s Town Council meeting, as residents sought answers about the future of Officer Courtney Badon.

While Officer Badon’s name has recently become the subject of discussion on social media, the conversation inside Town Hall told a very different story. Throughout the meeting, no concerns were raised about her performance as Little Pearl Elementary’s School Resource Officer. Instead, the discussion focused on Louisiana’s certification requirements and what steps would be needed for her to continue serving in the role.

Questions about Officer Badon’s future

Pearl River resident Dylan James addressed town leaders, asking what the long-term plan was for Officer Badon.

James pointed to the overwhelming support she has received from parents and questioned whether she would be allowed to return to Little Pearl once she meets the state’s requirements.

Rather than criticizing Officer Badon, James’ questions centered on preserving an officer many parents have praised for the relationships she has built with students.

Police department explains the process

Deputy Chief David Dean explained that Officer Badon was assigned to Little Pearl after graduating from the police academy and has continued serving while working toward the experience required under Louisiana POST standards.

According to Dean, Officer Badon will reach two years of POST certification on Aug. 27, 2026.

Dean explained that Louisiana POST does not allow an officer to attend School Resource Officer certification training until reaching that two-year milestone. He added that once an officer becomes eligible, there is additional time to complete the required SRO training.

Dean also explained that the Pearl River Police Department adjusted staffing assignments to ensure schools remained staffed by officers who met the applicable requirements.

When James asked whether Officer Badon could return to Little Pearl after becoming eligible, Dean responded that if the St. Tammany Parish School Board approved her return, he believed Chief Jack Sessions would be more than happy to assign her back to the school.

The exchange reflected a department attempting to balance state requirements while also recognizing the community’s support for Officer Badon.

Support for Officer Badon remained clear

One point drew little disagreement during the discussion.

The issue was never presented as a question of Officer Badon’s ability to serve as a School Resource Officer.

Instead, the discussion centered on meeting state requirements and determining how the town and school system should move forward once she reaches the required certification milestone.

Parents’ support for Officer Badon was repeatedly referenced during the meeting, with James noting the many positive comments that have been shared by families with children at Little Pearl Elementary.

Discussion ends before every question is answered

As residents continued asking questions, Mayor Joe Lee directed the meeting to move on, saying there were other matters that needed to be addressed.

However, only a short time later, the meeting was adjourned.

The timing left some attendees frustrated, believing additional questions regarding the School Resource Officer program and Officer Badon’s future remained unanswered.

Recording dispute raises additional questions

Another point of contention during the meeting involved recording the proceedings.

Because the council chamber’s microphones and speakers were not functioning properly, an attempt was made to place a recording device closer to the council table to capture the discussion more clearly.

Mayor Joe Lee objected, stating he did not want a microphone placed near him because he might need to quietly confer with the city attorney during the meeting.

The exchange prompted additional discussion about recording public meetings and transparency. Public officials generally have a reduced expectation of privacy while conducting official business during open public meetings, although governmental bodies may adopt reasonable, content-neutral rules governing how meetings are recorded.

Looking ahead

Officer Courtney Badon is expected to reach her two-year POST certification milestone on Aug. 27, a date that became a focal point throughout the discussion.

If approved by the appropriate authorities after meeting the state’s qualifications, several officials indicated there is a path for her to return to Little Pearl Elementary.

For many residents, Tuesday night’s discussion wasn’t about replacing a School Resource Officer. It was about ensuring the community can keep one they believe has already earned the trust of students, parents, and the school she serves.

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/HNojIrJgBXo?si=pqmVv48wIPm5NNV7