LLBC support the US Justice Department’s Civil Rights Investigation into the Louisiana State Police
Published 12:28 pm Thursday, June 9, 2022
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Baton Rouge, Louisiana – In a press conference, The United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) announced today that it would be opening a formal investigation into the Louisiana State Police, citing incidents of misconduct including the death of Ronald Greene in Monroe, last year. This is the Fifth investigation of its kind that the US DOJ has opened this year. State Representative Vincent Pierre, Chairman of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus (LLBC), has openly announced the Caucus’ support of any steps toward finding justice in the Ronald Greene case, including an investigation of the Louisiana State Police. In July of 2021, the LLBC sent a letter to the US DOJ requesting a “top-to-bottom investigation” of the department, following a series of high-profile beatings of black motorists and alleged coverups within the state’s law enforcement agencies.
Rep. Pierre said, “During the press conference today, the word ‘trust’ was used several times, as members of the US Department of Justice explained how our communities have lost trust in the system. That trust and confidence is difficult to repair, but we are pleased to see that the DOJ has heard our cries for justice, and we support the intention in opening this investigation. Many of our citizens feel that the system has failed them in, and the Ronald Greene case is one very important example of that. With this investigation, we hope to see true change in our systems, here at home in Louisiana and across the country.”
The US DOJ’s investigation will include ride-alongs, interviews with internal and external employees of the state police and a deep dive into the department’s records. They are also asking for the state’s cooperation in succeeding in this investigation, and expect that the role of the state of Louisiana will be key to the outcome.
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Established in 1977, the primary purpose of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus is to raise the quality of life for those underrepresented, the indigent, and working people through legislation, education, and economic development.
