Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) declared a state of emergency on Friday due to a shortage of law enforcement officers.
The announcement comes days before the state legislature convenes for a special session on crime. Landry issued an executive order on reforming so-called soft-on-crime policies and strengthening the criminal justice system. (RELATED: Sheriff Emasculates Wannabe Gangsters In Hilarious Video)
“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,” Landry remarked.
According to the Louisiana Sheriffs Association, there was a shortage of 1,800 deputies in the state as of July 2023. Many cities across the United States have faced challenges in recruiting and retaining police officers due to high crime rates and anti-police sentiment.
Some departments are even considering allowing noncitizens to serve in law enforcement. (RELATED: Did The Biden Administration Threaten This Immigration Whistleblower?)
The Daily Wire has the latest from Louisiana:
During the special session, Landry wants the legislature to look at restricting parole eligibility, expanding the criteria to revoke parole and probation, increasing penalties for carjackings, upgrading illegal use of weapons to the violent crime category, granting immunity under certain conditions to peace officers, and creating a criminal offense for the marketing of fentanyl to minors.
“This special session begins to fulfill the campaign promises we made to the people of Louisiana to make our State Safe Again. No one, regardless of their neighborhood or zip code, should feel unsafe. We all want safer communities,” Landry said. “We will defend and uplift our law enforcement officials and deliver true justice to crime victims who have been overlooked for far too long.”
New Orleans, whose police force Landry previously said was in “shambles,” consistently ranks as one of the most violent cities in America. Landry took office in January after his election in October flipped control of the governor’s mansion in after promising to crack down on crime in the state.
The Louisiana Sheriff’s Association lauded Landry’s proclamation, saying that it underscored “the importance of the law enforcement profession and our state’s desperate need to fill valuable front line deputy positions.”
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