Gov. Landry says DA offices need funding and credits Caddo’s DA

BATON ROUGE, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Governor Jeff Landry said district attorney offices need more funding while crediting Shreveport’s DA for the work he has accomplished.

Governor Landry held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, focusing on a new violent crime initiative for Baton Rouge.

He said the plan instructs law enforcement to do their job of apprehending criminals, now it’s up to the court system to prosecute violent crimes and put criminals behind bars long enough.

When asked how he plans to provide resources to DA offices because they face staffing limitations, Governor Landry said he wants to add more warrants so they can hire more prosecutors.

Warrants are what the state pays a DA for each assistant district attorney they hire.

Landry said Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart is asking for more warrants and is a good example of a DA who is making a difference in crime prevention.

“A lot district attorneys, as Liz knows, are continually having a problem retaining lawyers in their offices because of a pay scale. Which we know and everyone understands the cost of inflation over the last few years. So it’s getting harder and harder to retain them. So we’re talking about getting them some additional warrants. We’ve seen some great work done, I’m being honest with yall, I’m giving kudos out to the district attorney up in Shreveport. He’s asking for some more warrants. I think this year we will start to look at awarding those district attorneys who are getting serious about prosecuting crime and putting people behind bars, and get them the resources necessary,” Landry said.

Landry said he will present this need for additional funding for DA offices to state lawmakers when they begin their next session in March of 2026.