NEW ORLEANS — Governor Landry criticized The New Orleans Police Department's ability to fight crime on Wednesday – saying he wants the legislature to create and fund a permanent state police troop in New Orleans.
In a press conference Monday, Governor Landry told reporters The New Orleans Police Department "is in shambles, because of a federal consent decree and a federal judge."
He says because of that he wants the Louisiana State Police to step in to help protect what he says, is the state's greatest asset.
"Having a permanent troop in New Orleans is the only way that I see to keep the city safe over the next decade," he said.
In order to do that he needs the back of the legislature – he plans to hold a special crime session after Mardi Gras.
"Part of that crime session is going to help us put in place the funding mechanism to get that troop up and running," Landry explained.
But the details on what this special troop will look like are not finalized.
Col. Robert Hodges, the head of Louisiana State Police says "once the governor and our team agree along with the NOPD on our deployment and our strategy we will share some of those things with you all."
WWL Louisiana political analyst, Clancy DuBos says the additional help is needed in the Crescent City.
"It has a severe manpower shortage, and 40 troopers can make a difference. I think most people see this as welcome news and it's especially welcome that he wants the legislature to fund it. That's he's not going to put all of that burden on the citizens of New Orleans."
And DuBos says, Landry saying the department is "in shambles" could be strategy.
"He needs to kind of sound the alarm and the rest of the state so that the sheriffs who are going to lose some of those troopers understand why this is so important."
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