Louisiana Gov. Landry declares state of emergency over police shortage in the state

Louisiana GOP Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency on Friday night due to a police officer shortage in the state. 

“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. 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 issued the executive order prior to an upcoming special session of the legislature on crime. He said that the session would focus on strengthening the criminal justice system. 

The Louisiana Sheriffs Association reported that there has been a shortage of thousands of deputies since 2023. 

“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," he said.