If you want to be a member of the next cadet class at the Louisiana State Police, time is running out. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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Louisiana experienced a significant reduction in highway deaths in 2023, with data showing 811 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes with a 10.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Sean Richardson has more.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
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If you want to join the next cadet class for the Louisiana State Police, time is running out to apply. The deadline for applying for the 106th Cadet Class is September 18th, less than two weeks away. Lieutenant Robert Fontenot says applicants need to meet certain requirements.
Cut 3 (12) “…30 college credits.”
Not to mention that applicants need to have the physical and mental capabilities to work in law enforcement.
Cut 4 (11) “…for a reason.”
Just being approved to go through academy yields a handsome starting salary.
Cut 5 (09) “…year of employment.”
By the end of that first year, the salary for rookie troopers will increase to 61-thousand dollars a year. In addition, troopers will be given a take-home vehicle, opportunities for overtime and a generous retirement package.
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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the number of highway deaths declined in 2023 by 10.5-percent to 811. Spokesperson Greg Fischer says this decline in fatalities marks a positive shift following a surge in deadly crashes during the Covid pandemic…
Cut 6 (11) “…in 2023.”
Pedestrian fatalities that hit alarming rates during the pandemic, were down to 147 in 2023, nearly a 20-perdent decrease, and bicycle fatalities dropped from 44 to 35 and crashes involving a driver with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher decreased to 195, a 13.3-percent drop from 2022. Fischer, however, says there was an increase in motorcycle fatalities…
Cut 7 (12) “…e-bikes.”
Fischer says the seatbelt usage rate is the highest ever recorded in Louisiana at over 88-percent, a three-percent increase from the previous year…
Cut 8 (11) “…wearing a seatbelt.”
Overall, the decline in highway deaths offers hope Louisiana’s roads are becoming safer, but it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for responsible driving.
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A flood watch is in effect for nearly all of South Louisiana. National Weather Service Meteorologist Kevin Gilmore says the area is expected to get heavy rainfall over the next couple days.
Cut 9 (05) “…looking relatively wet.”
This all comes as a disturbance is churning up once again in the Gulf of Mexico along the Texas coast. The National Hurricane Center says it has a ten-percent chance of developing in the next seven days. It’s one of five disturbances currently in the Atlantic.
Gilmore says the prolonged rain is increasing the chances of flooding.
Cut 10 (06) “…the metro areas.”
As for how much rain the region can expect over the next couple days:
Cut 11 (07) “…bands set up.”
In Southwest Louisiana, including Lake Charles, the flood watch is in effect through tomorrow night; in Southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, it’s in effect until Saturday morning.