Police ‘staffing crisis’ prompts Louisiana Gov. Landry to declare state of emergency amid 'increased crime'

Louisiana Republican Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency Thursday over a shortage of police officers, the Associated Press reported.

Landry, a former police officer and sheriff’s deputy, signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency, citing Louisiana’s statewide police officer shortage, which the governor claimed has led to an increase in crime.

According to a Friday press release from the governor’s office, Louisiana sheriffs’ offices across the state are down roughly 1,800 deputies as of July. The record-low employment has resulted in longer response times, it noted.

Landry’s executive order read, “Nation and State are experiencing a police officer staffing crisis, and law enforcement agencies are losing officers faster than they can hire new ones.”

According to the order, law enforcement agencies nationwide experienced a 47% increase in resignations in 2022 compared to 2019. Retirements also rose by 20% over that same period.

Louisiana police officers’ longer response times have resulted in “an increased threat to the lives, property, and safety” of its residents.

Landry’s executive order temporarily removes limits on the number of new employees sheriffs can hire. It also lifts restrictions on payroll increases.

“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 stated.

Michael Ranatza, the executive director of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, praised Landry for issuing the executive order.

“We applaud Governor Landry for highlighting the importance of the law enforcement profession and our state’s desperate need to fill valuable front line deputy positions,” Ranatza said.

The executive order will remain in effect until March 15.

Landry, who was elected last year and took office in January, has vowed to bring law and order back to Louisiana. Earlier this month, the governor called the state legislature to convene for a special session focused on the issue of crime.

According to a press release from the governor’s office, “The legislature will create laws that strengthen our criminal justice system and repeal soft on crime policies that enable criminals and hurt our communities.”

Landry plans to address lawmakers on Monday during the special session.

“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,” the governor remarked. “We will defend and uplift our law enforcement officials and deliver true justice to crime victims who have been overlooked for far too long. I am eager to enact real change that makes Louisiana a safer state for all.”

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