July 26, 2026
PEARL RIVER, La. — Pearl River Police Lt. John Polk received a friendly reception while campaigning for police chief at JNAC on Sunday, where supporters praised his character, experience and relationship with local youth.
What Polk did not receive were questions about the documented controversies surrounding his own record and the Pearl River Police Department he now wants to lead.
Polk acknowledged the attention himself.
“I know y’all have probably seen a lot of my name in Facebook and stuff like that here lately,” Polk told those gathered.
But nobody followed up by asking why.
APR•St Tammany has spent months reviewing public records involving the Pearl River Police Department. Those records include disciplinary documentation showing Polk was previously disciplined for Conduct Unbecoming and Workplace Harassment, received a three-day suspension and was ordered to undergo additional training.
APR has also reviewed records identifying Polk in connection with workplace harassment complaints.
Those are not Facebook rumors. They are exactly the type of documented issues voters should be able to question a candidate about before handing that candidate control of a police department.
Yet none of it came up Sunday.
Instead, Polk spoke about community policing, protecting children and his plans for the department. Supporters offered personal endorsements, and Police Chief Jack Sessions himself told the audience Polk was “very qualified.”
Polk also made clear what direction he intends to take the department.
“I’m just going to be continuing on with what Chief Sessions has been doing,” Polk said.
That statement matters.
APR has extensively documented questions surrounding the current administration, including personnel matters, SRO training and qualification issues, public-record disputes and department policies.
Polk is also campaigning for chief while remaining employed by the department after a recent policy change removed a previous requirement that an employee resign before seeking the office — an issue APR reported on separately Sunday.
A noticeable number of Pearl River Police Department personnel were also present at the church appearance, while the sitting chief publicly vouched for Polk’s qualifications.
Then Polk made another promise.
He said that, if elected, he wants monthly meetings where residents can question him and his command staff.
“We want your questions,” Polk said.
APR agrees.
So here are some.
Why was Polk disciplined for Conduct Unbecoming and Workplace Harassment?
What should voters know about the workplace complaints in which his name appears?
Where’s the documentation of the full findings of these events?
Why is Chief Jack Sessions campaigning so hard for John Polk?
Why should voters expect major change when Polk openly says he intends to continue the direction of the current administration?
Why were you allegedly told do not go to McDonald’s unless there is an emergency?
Why were you allegedly told to not go to dispatch anymore?
Polk says he wants questions.
On Sunday, he got plenty of support.
The difficult questions are still waiting.