Title Registry Information

Louisiana Blocks Public Access to Data on “Wandering Officers”

Public Records in the Dark: How Title Registry Can Shine a Light on Police Oversight

Lawmakers Tried and Failed

In 2015, Louisiana created a database to track police certifications, but public access to crucial information like officer employment history remains restricted. Journalists and watchdog groups rely on such data to track “wandering officers,” but Louisiana requires filing individual requests for each officer, making analysis slow and expensive. The Peace Officer Standards and Trainings Council (POST) interprets public records law narrowly, further limiting transparency.

The “Wandering Officer” Problem

Fired officers can maintain certifications despite misconduct and avoid reporting why they left a job. They then resurface at new departments, potentially endangering communities.

Limited Transparency

Louisiana is one of just 14 states that keeps this data secret, hindering oversight and public safety. POST used to release data to journalists, but now claims a state law restricts access. Experts question this interpretation.

Case Study: Travis “Clay” Depew

Depew, fired for misconduct, got a new job despite a criminal record. He faced new complaints but resigned before decertification, allowing him to potentially work in law enforcement again.

Limited Decertification

Louisiana has a low decertification rate, even with expanded powers granted in 2017. POST lacks a program to track wandering officers or analyze data.

Looking Ahead: Increased Hiring and Uncertain Oversight

A recent executive order lifted hiring restrictions, potentially leading to more police officers on the streets. The lack of transparency around officer data raises concerns about who will be patrolling communities.

The Need for Transparency

Public access to data is crucial for holding law enforcement accountable, preventing misconduct, and ensuring public safety. Louisiana must prioritize transparency by revising its public records law and proactively releasing data on police officers.

This article highlights the ongoing struggle for transparency in Louisiana regarding police officer data. While a database exists to track certifications, public access to crucial information remains limited. This lack of transparency hinders efforts to track “wandering officers” – those who leave a department after misconduct and resurface elsewhere.

The Problem: Lack of Transparency in Police Data

• Louisiana law enforcement maintains a database on officer certifications.
• Public access to this data, particularly employment history, is restricted.
• This makes it difficult to track “wandering officers” who commit misconduct and move between departments.
• Journalists and watchdog groups rely on such data for public accountability.

The Current Solution: A Flawed System

• Accessing officer data often requires filing individual requests for each officer.
• This process is slow, expensive, and limits comprehensive analysis.
• The agency responsible (POST) interprets public records law narrowly, hindering transparency.

Title Registry: A Path to Transparency

Imagine a world where public record access isn’t a battle. Title Registry, a SaaS platform designed for electronic document and file registration, offers a solution.

How Title Registry Can Help

• Secure and Standardized Data Storage: Store police officer data, including certifications and employment history, in a secure and centralized location.
• Public Records Search Mechanism: Enable a user-friendly search interface for authorized individuals to access relevant data efficiently.
• Compliance with Public Records Laws: Ensure data storage and access comply with Louisiana’s public records act. Title Registry is not a legal expert, but it can be designed to accommodate legal requirements for data access.

Benefits of Transparency

• Increased Public Accountability: Public access to data empowers citizens to hold law enforcement accountable.
• Improved Oversight: Journalists and watchdog groups can effectively track “wandering officers” and identify patterns of misconduct.
• Enhanced Public Safety: By identifying officers with troubled pasts, departments can make informed hiring decisions.

By leveraging Title Registry’s secure and user-friendly platform, Louisiana can move towards a more transparent system for police data. This, in turn, can foster public trust and enhance public safety.