Police agencies across the state are having trouble hiring.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is taking action.
Landry signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency due to the police officer shortage.
It comes a day after he hosted leaders of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association at the Governor's Mansion.
The association estimates the state is down 1,800 deputies statewide, which authorities say is leading to an increase in response time to emergency calls.
The emergency order suspends certain political patronage laws prohibiting sheriffs from increasing hiring levels, giving raises and shifting money in the months after an election.
That law specifically states:
A. During the six months preceding a gubernatorial election and during the time interval between the gubernatorial election and the first day of July following election, it shall be unlawful for any sheriff to do any of the following:
(1) Increase the number of deputies or employees in his office by more than five percent over the average number of such employees for each of the first six months of the twelve months preceding the election.
(2) Increase the payroll or other operating expenses of his office more than fifteen percent over its average amount of such expenditures for each of the months of the first six months of the twelve months preceding the election.
(3) Transfer title and ownership of the capital assets of his office of a value in excess of ten percent of the total value of assets as reflected in the current inventory filed in the office of the sheriff under the provisions of R.S. 24:513, as of the date of the primary election.
B. In determining whether any surplus or deficit exists in the office of any sheriff at the expiration of a term of office, the current market value of the capital assets of the office as set forth in the inventory filed in accordance with R.S. 24:513 shall be included in the total assets of the sheriff's office.
Landry posted, "As a former police officer and sheriff’s deputy, I understand the vital role our law enforcement officers play in our communities. Currently, our state is facing a shortage of officers, resulting in increased crime and less public safety. Today’s executive order, and the upcoming crime special session, will ensure our law enforcement officers are supported and we can begin to bring law and order back to our state."
