State and local law enforcement navigate Carnival season amid staffing shortage - BRProud.com
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — State and local law enforcement are facing new challenges ahead of Mardi Gras parades. They’re trying to figure out how to keep you safe with a short staff.
The City of Gonzales is hosting its first-ever Mardi Gras parade this year.
Police Chief Sherman Jackson said they’re trying to let the good times roll even with a 10% vacancy.
“We unify with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Gabriel Police Department. We were able to fill the gaps with other agencies,” said Jackson.
Chief Jackson and his officers are working extra hours and it’s all hands on deck.
“At this point, we have everyone that is going to be working. If you work here and you’re in patrol or special investigation or anything like that, on Saturday they’re going to be out on the streets,” he said.
Every Carnival season Louisiana state troopers spread out to parishes across the state. But due to their own staffing shortages, fewer troopers will be able to help this year.
“We’re going to send over 100 troopers from the entirety of our state. Also, our mobile field force, SWAT elements, and other patrol units will be in the New Orleans area,” said Taylor Scrantz, a spokesperson for Louisiana State Police.
State police is tackling staffing shortages in new ways. They are now offering their first-ever cadet 101 class as a post academy.
Scrantz and Jackson said it’s going to take both parade-goers and law enforcement to have a safe Carnival.
“When you say ‘parades’ to law enforcement it always makes us nervous. When you see kids having a good time and families together then it makes us proud,” said Jackson.
In December a man in the Gonzales Christmas parade hit his head on a tree while on a float. He later died from his injuries. Now, all floats have to be highway standard. The chief is making sure all floats meet the height requirement before the parade rolls.
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