Baton Rouge, Louisiana — A three-year analysis of Louisiana State Police data found that troopers used force against Black residents at a rate far exceeding their share of the state’s population, according to a new report released by Innocence and Justice Louisiana.
The analysis reviewed use-of-force incidents from 2022 through 2024 and found that Black residents, who make up about 31% of Louisiana’s population, were involved in more than 60% of recorded use-of-force encounters with state troopers. White residents, representing roughly 61% of the population, accounted for about 23% of those incidents. The remaining cases listed the race of the individual as unknown, a factor researchers said limits precision but does not erase the disparity.
Disproportionate outcomes were identified across all 10 Louisiana State Police regions, with the largest gaps found in Troop D in southwest Louisiana. There, Black and Native American residents were involved in force incidents at roughly three times their population share.
State Police officials acknowledged the numerical accuracy of the data but argued it lacks operational context. They said vehicle pursuits, which are included in use-of-force reporting, significantly affect the totals. Researchers countered that including pursuits aligns with FBI reporting standards and provides greater transparency.
The findings will be added to a new public accountability database designed to track officer conduct statewide. State Police officials say they are upgrading internal systems to improve transparency and better inform training and policy decisions.
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