New Orleans’ levee authority is starting a special police unit armed with semi-automatic rifles and trained in SWAT tactics, according to an internal memo and agency officials, a change it says is needed to professionalize the force, but which watchdogs call concerning.
The first phase of training for the new Special Response Team began on Sept. 22 and will involve “tactical movement with handguns and rifles,” “room entering and clearing,” and SWAT certification, according to the memo. The move comes as the South Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East, whose core mission is overseeing flood control infrastructure, has increased its police budget from $8 million last year to nearly $12 million this year, drawing on cash reserves to cover the growth.
Agency leaders say the unit will handle “high-risk situations,” while watchdogs question whether the spending serves flood protection…