Louisiana GOP Gov. Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency due to a police officer shortage. Landry’s executive order issued Thursday lifts limits on how many new employees Louisiana sheriffs can hire and on payroll increases for their departments. Landry says police departments in the state are experiencing record-low employments “resulting in increased crime and less public safety.” He said that as of July, sheriff’s offices statewide were down 1,800 deputies. Landry's order removes restrictions on hiring and payroll increases that state law places for a period of time following a gubernatorial election. Landry took office last month.
