Gov. Jeff Landry (R-LA) declared a state of emergency Friday in response to Louisiana’s law enforcement “staffing crisis” after the state saw some of the highest homicide rates in the country in recent years.
While national law enforcement experienced 47% more resignations and 20% more retirements in 2022 than in 2019, the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association estimated it is down 1,800 deputies as of July 2023, according to the executive order.
“As a former police officer and sheriff’s deputy, I understand the vital role our law enforcement officers play in our communities,” Landry said in a statement. “Currently, our state is facing a shortage of officers, resulting in increased crime and less public safety.”
The shortage is due to law enforcement departments not being able to hire officers faster than they are losing them, resulting
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