Louisiana State Police Promoted Mike Nicolini
The veteran captain ascended to lieutenant colonel and deputy superintendent of special operations.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in People
The Louisiana State Police has promoted Captain Mike Nicolini to the position of lieutenant colonel and deputy superintendent of special operations. As part of the agency leadership changes, John Porter will also move to the role of deputy superintendent of patrol.
Why it matters
The promotion places a veteran officer with over 25 years of experience in charge of critical agency divisions, including emergency services and state facility security.
Mike Nicolini brings over 25 years of total law enforcement experience to his new command. His career includes a five-year tenure serving on the security detail for former Governor Bobby Jindal.
The players
Mike Nicolini
He is the newly promoted lieutenant colonel and deputy superintendent of special operations for the Louisiana State Police.
Bobby Jindal
He is a former Governor of Louisiana who received security services from Nicolini for five years.
Jeff Landry
He is the current Governor of Louisiana and recipient of protective services from Nicolini since his election.
Jody Hasselbeck
He is an outgoing official within the Louisiana State Police organization scheduled for retirement in 2026.
John Porter
He is a state police official shifting into a new role as the deputy superintendent of patrol.
The details
Nicolini, who joined the agency in 2007, will now oversee Transportation Safety Services, the DPS Capitol Detail, and various emergency and crisis response units. He previously served as commander of the Protective Services Unit and has been on Governor Jeff Landry’s security detail since his election.
Timeline
Mike Nicolini joined the Louisiana State Police in 2007.
Jody Hasselbeck is scheduled to retire at the end of October 2026.
Market Landscape
The promotion follows the established Louisiana State Police professional standards and organizational hierarchy for senior leadership appointments. This shift realigns the command staff to manage ongoing public safety mandates across the state.
Residents may notice changes in the administration of state-level facility security and emergency services overseen by the new deputy superintendent. The leadership transition marks a change in agency management for those interacting with state police units.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at the state police level can alter operational priorities for emergency and protective services. Citizens can track future agency updates by following official state public safety announcements.
Further reading
For more information on organizational shifts in the region, visit the People section.
