On Thursday, Feb. 15, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency due to a police shortage across the state, which will be in effect until March 15. With this declaration, Landry signed an executive order lifting restrictions on departmental payroll and the number of new employees Louisiana sheriffs can hire.

The Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association estimates statewide offices are down nearly 1,800 officers and that police response times are lagging as a result. 

A Louisiana special legislative session on crime began Feb. 19 at the state capitol and could last until March 6. The session will look at a number of new proposals, including an increased state police presence in New Orleans, more restrictions on parole and new methods of execution for death row inmates.