From motorcycle-patrolling bodyguards to a federal investigation, the evolution of Louisiana State Police.

History · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Beginning in 1922 with just 16 men on personal motorcycles, the Louisiana State Police has transformed into a complex agency with nine troops and specialized units. Yet, recent years have brought intense scrutiny, federal oversight, and a push for reform following high-profile incidents of misconduct and use of force.

The agency originated as the Louisiana Highway Commission in 1922, where 16 inspectors patrolled 2,700 miles of roadway on their own motorcycles. By 1932, the organization was renamed the State Highway Patrol and authorized to carry firearms, notably serving as personal bodyguards for Governor Huey Long. The modern structure began to take shape in 1936 when the Louisiana Legislature combined law enforcement divisions to form the Department of State Police, eventually moving under the Department of Public Safety in 1942.

Today, the agency operates through nine regional troops, ranging from Troop A in Baton Rouge to Troop NOLA in New Orleans. Beyond traffic enforcement, the department maintains specialized divisions including a bomb squad, SWAT team, and a crime laboratory. Its oversight mechanisms have also evolved; the Louisiana State Police Commission manages personnel rules, and the Office of Internal Affairs, established in 1972, handles employee complaints and background checks. In 2022, Louisiana voters approved a constitutional amendment requiring Senate confirmation for commission members to increase accountability.

The agency has faced significant challenges recently. Following the 2019 death of Ronald Greene, the U.S. Department of Justice opened a pattern-or-practice investigation in 2022 to examine potential civil rights violations. This scrutiny follows other controversies, including the 2018 shooting of Clifton Dilley and the use of intelligence lists targeting political groups. In response, Governor Jeff Landry has initiated efforts to restore the rule of law, appointing Major Robert Hodges as superintendent and planning an internal study to address systemic issues and restore public trust.

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