Hammond council approves request for Legislative Auditor to audit police department

The Hammond City Council approved a resolution asking the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to audit the Hammond Police Department following constituent complaints about information requests and department practices. The resolution asks the auditor's office to undertake an independent review to address questions raised by constituents and council members.

Councilman Devon Andrews, who sponsored the resolution, said he had submitted records and questions and had not received full responses. "I've sent in requests on some information from their department," Andrews told the council. He said constituents had raised issues that prompted him to seek an impartial review.

Other councilmembers asked for more specificity in the request, noting that the legislative auditor may need clearer scope or a timeframe to act. Andrews said he could provide additional clarifying detail if requested; the resolution as approved directs the auditor to conduct an audit of the Hammond Police Department, "particularly, but not limited to" matters enumerated in the council's draft language.

The motion to approve carried on a roll-call vote with a majority supporting the audit request. The vote record as read by the clerk recorded Councilman Wells and Councilman Andrews voting yes, Councilman Leon voting no on one roll call earlier in the meeting (related to a different item), and the final audit resolution passed with recorded ayes from Andrews, Gonzales, Divitario and others. The resolution instructs city staff to transmit materials and cooperate with the Legislative Auditor's office.