Troopers To Take Over Interstate In Orleans Parish

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — State troopers haven't patrolled the interstate system in New Orleans in decades — and the police chief wants that to change.

Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas is asking for state troopers to patrol New Orleans' busy interstate system, according to WVUE-TV.

Last week Serpas told the City Council his officers are tied up every day dealing with accidents on the interstate. Serpas questioned why state police patrol the interstates in Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes but not in Orleans. The council agreed with Serpas.

State police spokesman Col. Mike Edmonson called that a "misconception" and said up to 30 troopers work in New Orleans every day.

The NOPD has just over 1,300 police officers and there are fewer than 1,000 state troopers in Louisiana.