Legislators press for funding to ensure police post certification standards

Concerns over police training and certification took center stage during the Louisiana House Judiciary meeting on May 29, 2025. Lawmakers expressed urgent calls for increased funding to ensure that all law enforcement officers receive proper POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification, highlighting a troubling trend of untrained officers being armed.

Representative Blanchet raised alarms about the lack of funding for the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE), which requires over a million dollars to provide necessary training. He emphasized the critical need for every officer to be fully POST certified, stating, "I have a lot of problems with the municipalities back in the rural areas because of the shortage of people who wanna be cops." He recounted a tragic incident in Tanchpa Ho, where an untrained officer was involved in a fatal shooting, underscoring the potential dangers of inadequate training.

The discussion also touched on the role of tactical medical professionals in law enforcement. Representative Jordan questioned why these individuals, who may carry firearms in crisis situations, are not required to meet the same POST certification standards as other officers. He argued that if they are to have the same legal immunities as law enforcement officers, they should also undergo the same rigorous training.

The meeting revealed a consensus among lawmakers that reducing training standards is not an option. Representative Jordan stated, "I would never support anything that reduces training," emphasizing that many issues in law enforcement stem from a lack of adequate training rather than poor policies.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for funding and training reform was clear. Lawmakers are expected to continue discussions on how to secure the necessary resources to ensure that all officers are properly trained and certified, aiming to prevent future tragedies and enhance public safety.