The Louisiana State Police (LSP) have been found to frequently employ excessive force during arrests and vehicle chases, exhibiting a troubling pattern of misconduct that endangers public safety, according to a critical report released by the U.S. Justice Department.
This comprehensive civil rights investigation, initiated in 2022 following revelations from an Associated Press investigation, highlighted the concerning use of stun guns by troopers and the alarming tendency to exert force even on individuals who are restrained and pose no threat or flight risk. The report pointed to “systemic failures in supervision” and significant issues with the underreporting of force incidents.
The report emphasized that troopers often resort to excessive force quickly in encounters, typically in the initial moments, without providing individuals a warning or a chance to comply. The use of excessive force was also noted in instances when suspects fled, even in situations where only a misdemeanor was suspected.
This report was made public just two days after federal prosecutors announced they would not file charges concerning the fatal 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene, an African American motorist who died following an encounter with white state troopers who used stun guns, punches, and excessive force against him during a roadside arrest after a high-speed chase in northeastern Louisiana.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a Republican, criticized the report, arguing it undermines the perceived excellence and service of LSP. In a statement, Landry asserted that the reputation of the police force is rooted in respect and admiration, and vowed to stand by them.
Col. Robert Hodges, Louisiana’s state police superintendent, responded to the report through an internal email, suggesting that the “isolated incidents” referred to do not reflect an accurate picture of the current state police or its historical reputation.
The investigation followed AP coverage revealing Greene’s arrest as part of a broader pattern where state troopers allegedly obscured or neglected instances of excessive force, deflecting accountability and hampering measures to address misconduct. One particularly troubling incident involved a white officer brutally assaulting a Black man with a flashlight during a traffic stop, resulting in severe injuries.
The state police previously withheld body camera footage of Greene’s death for two years until it was released by the AP in 2021. The footage depicted troopers surrounding Greene, even as he seemed to plead for help, crying out in fear and attempting to reason with them. Troopers employed stun guns on Greene before he had a chance to exit his vehicle, and subsequently subjected him to a chokehold and physical assault.
The 32-page report claims that Greene’s death exposed significant failures in law enforcement that are symptomatic of a broader, troubling pattern of conduct infringing upon constitutional rights for individuals in Louisiana.
One instance detailed in the report describes a trooper forcefully slamming a bar patron to the ground simply because he did not present identification promptly. Instead of communicating the reason for the request, the trooper resorted to immediate physical force, leading to injuries for the individual.
While the report investigated potential racially biased policing practices within the state police, it did not conclude any findings attributing the identified misconduct to such disparities at this time.
The Justice Department’s report suggested a range of recommended remedial actions, though these are not compulsory. It acknowledged the agency’s efforts to implement necessary reforms following the public outcry after Greene’s death. However, the report emphasized that further reforms are essential to address the unlawful conduct uncovered during the investigation.
