We, the people of Louisiana and others who support our intentions, ask Louisiana lawmakers to consider writing and passing a new set of laws that would hold our law enforcement agents more accountable for their actions; especially those which have been proven to intentionally break the laws and undermine the integrity of all Louisiana law enforcement agencies as well as our state as a whole.  We ask that this all be considered under a new law, “Jeremy Mardis’ Law” in honor of the six year old boy who was shot and killed by police officers in Marksville, Louisiana on November 3, 2015. 

In consideration of these changes we ask:

Any officer of any law enforcement agency in Louisiana who either on duty or off, retired or no longer employed by any agency, who is found guilty of using unjustified lethal force that results in the death of any civilian should be automatically considered for the death penalty upon being found guilty.  No matter the degree or the intent, if the officer failed to serve and protect by using lethal force with no actual or perceived threat to the officer present, he or she shall face the death penalty.  This shall remain true for any person who has been trained, trusted and who has also vowed to serve and protect our citizens.

Any officer, on duty or off, retired or no longer employed by a Louisiana State law enforcement agency who is or was previously entrusted to serve and protect our state and our citizens should be held to the highest punishment allowed by law for their crime in any situation where they purposely and intentionally broke any law regardless of prior records.

It is time that we hold our law enforcement officers accountable to the law they are sworn to protect.  It is a disgusting misuse of authority and power to see an officer bend the rules of the laws they have promised to uphold.  Too often we hear stories of officers involved in illegal activities and being held to a lesser standard than civilians.  It is time to hold our officers accountable to the laws of Louisiana or let them feel the weight of her gavel fall down on them. 

It is time our officers are the rule, not the exception.

Any officer with charges pending should be removed from duty until they are cleared of their charges.  Any officer found guilty of charges should surrender their badge. You cannot break the law and also be trusted to uphold it.

These laws should also include law enforcement support staff and reach all legal branches of Louisiana.  Those who make and uphold our laws should be held more accountable for their illegal actions if for no other reason that to set the standards for our citizens.  It is an unjust world where our law enforcement are held to lesser standards than those they are meant protect and prosecute. 

Charges against law enforcement employees should be a matter of public information and the public should be notified when an officer is found guilty of any charge.

There are wonderful officers who deserve the badge and every ounce of respect and decoration they hold, and some that are never recognized for their efforts.   Then there are the few who walk away from DUI’s and unnecessary force charges with barely a slap on the wrist.  Considering their training and their oaths, these men and women who wear these uniforms should be more accountable for their disgrace to the badge.   Their knowledge of the law and sworn oaths to uphold it should secure their ability to face the penalties of the law in full force. 

We have to trust our law enforcement.   We have to hold them accountable for their misuse of authority.   

We ask that all this be considered and written for consideration of a new law in the name of Jeremy Mardis. We want our officers to protect our children. We want to be able to trust them. We want better for Louisiana.