News Summary
A recent audit by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor has uncovered serious issues within the Louisiana State Police, including failures to maintain property inventories and mistreatment of pregnant inmates. The audit revealed a lack of compliance with state policies, and alarming statistics concerning the care of incarcerated women. Measures are promised to improve oversight, but substantial reform is needed to address these critical concerns across state-operated facilities.
Baton Rouge, LA – A comprehensive audit conducted by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor has revealed significant failures within the Louisiana State Police, including an inability to maintain an accurate inventory of moveable property and serious irregularities in the treatment of pregnant inmates across various facilities. The findings raise major concerns about compliance with state policy and the well-being of incarcerated women.
The audit indicated that the Louisiana State Police has not kept an accurate record of movable property purchases exceeding $1,000 for a period of six years, which contravenes state requirements. This oversight includes crucial acquisitions, such as a narcotics-detecting dog and two helicopters, which collectively amount to more than $9.43 million. The review focused on 35 movable property purchases selected between September 29, 2023, and June 30, 2024.
Out of these purchases, 10 items were not logged into the state property system within the mandated 60-day window. Alarmingly, two of these items were entered only after auditors notified the State Police. The delays in logging the assets were particularly concerning, ranging from 167 to 389 days.
The Louisiana State Police oversees more than 25,000 pieces of movable property. In light of the audit’s findings, the agency plans to enhance its training on movable property management in collaboration with the Louisiana Property Assistance Agency.
Additionally, the audit scrutinized another agency, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s office, which failed to timely certify and approve 558 out of 5,195 timesheets from October 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. These lapses resulted in 999 timesheets, representing salaries and overtime totaling approximately $3.3 million, not receiving supervisory approval before payroll was processed. In response, the State Fire Marshal has begun implementing changes, including appointing timekeepers to assist with the certification process.
Concerns Over Treatment of Pregnant Inmates
The audit also highlighted critical issues surrounding the treatment of pregnant inmates in Louisiana’s correctional facilities. Currently, Louisiana houses 3,519 incarcerated women, and significant deficiencies were noted regarding the care provided to pregnant inmates in three separate facilities. Disturbingly, at least three of these facilities were found to be using leg irons on pregnant women, a practice that is prohibited by state law.
More than half of the facilities audited did not fully comply with limitations regarding the use of restraints on pregnant women. Furthermore, three-quarters of local incarceration centers failed to properly document instances of the use of restraints on these vulnerable individuals. Access to routine obstetric care is also lacking; a survey conducted among 44 incarcerated women revealed that 54% had not been offered adequate access to OB care.
The audit outlines disparities in the availability of educational and vocational programs, with incarcerated men receiving more developmental opportunities than women. This limitation in programming can hinder successful reentry into society for many women post-release, particularly as the incarceration rate for females in Louisiana has surged by over 700% between 1980 and 2019.
Ongoing Investigations and Accountability Measures
The Louisiana Department of Corrections indicated that the noted issues primarily exist within local jails rather than state correctional facilities. Moreover, the Louisiana State Police has faced ongoing scrutiny stemming from an inquiry concerning the police custody death of Ronald Greene. Allegations were made concerning the improper handling of cell phones belonging to high-ranking officers amidst this investigation. Records regarding the sanitization of these devices were not maintained effectively prior to the current administration.
As a part of the inquiry into Greene’s death, the special legislative committee intends to question two state troopers regarding the audit’s findings. Furthermore, the committee has issued a subpoena for a journal from former Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Kevin Reeves to assist in their investigation.
These findings underscore the urgent need for reform and better oversight within state-operated facilities and law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with state policies and the fair treatment of all individuals in custody.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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