Lafayette Chief of Police Judith Estorge wants to create two additional gun free zones. 

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Lafayette Chief of Police Judith Estorge wants to create two additional gun free zones. 

The request was made at the city council meeting after a council member wanted to know her plans for when the new conceal-carry gun law goes into effect July 4.

"We will request all bar owners post signs notifying patrons that guns are not allowed in their establishment," Estorge said.

Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux initiated the subject, and wanted some sort of reassurance that police have a plan in place.

"We will request all bar owners post signs notifying patrons that guns are not allowed in their establishment," Estorge said.

Chief Estorge responded to questions about how prepared law enforcement is for the conceal carry law.  

"Prior to July 4th, we will conduct a media blitz in conjunction with LPD, social media sites and all Acadiana news affiliates informing the public of the new laws and how it affects them," Estorge explained.

The chief requested the council to consider portions of downtown and Simcoe as restricted entertainment districts, in other words gun free zones. 

"A gun free zone for the specific hours of 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., Thursday through Saturday downtown and Friday to Sunday on Simcoe," Estorge said.

The chief states she will continue the departments street team weapons operations, and other proactive measures include increased manpower and the street team unit already on the ground.

"We are conducting hotspot specific patrols utilizing the overtime budget. We will partner with you as well to have a study completed as to the effect of the new laws over the next year," the chief said.

The chief intends to share the information with schools, teachers and coaches thru school resource officers.

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