(The Center Square) — A growing number of police officers, firefighters, and government officials are expressing concern that some individuals receiving state supplemental pay might not be fully deserving of it.
The supplemental pay program was designed to provide additional income to first responders like police officers, firefighters, constables and justices of the peace.
At the heart of the issue is the claim that some recipients are not fully engaged in the dangerous, hands-on work the program was meant to support.
Rep. Jason Dewitt, R-Boyce, said there are mounting complaints from police officers who say they are not receiving their supplemental pay as quickly as needed, while others who aren’t performing the most hazardous duties are still cashing in.
“They’re not carrying the gun, they’re not carrying the hose into the fire,” Dewitt said, echoing frustrations from those in the field.
A major issue revolves around the gray areas in eligibility, which is determined by a complicated and somewhat subjective statute.
The program covers over 11,000 recipients across nearly 600 municipalities. However, incomplete applications and unclear eligibility standards lead to delays, as cases are referred to the Board of Review, a body responsible for approving applications.
The nine-member police board and seven-member fire board are tasked with overseeing who gets paid — but the process is anything but smooth.
For example, animal control officers enforcing state animal cruelty laws in St. Landry Parish were initially approved for supplemental pay, but when a new board reviewed their case, they were deemed ineligible.
“The statute clearly states that people who qualify must be employed by municipalities and part of a bona fide police department,” Chief Kip Judice of Duson said. As a result, these workers were removed from the payrolls.
Beyond the eligibility issues, there’s also frustration over how long it takes for applications to be processed, especially as some workers wait for months for their pay.
The application process has improved in recent years, but according to officials, it still lacks efficiency and clarity. Staff responsible for processing applications are not permanent, leading to inconsistent results.
Judice and Lt. Col. Greg Graphia are calling for legal clarification. Judice mentions one police chief — once fully qualified — who lost his supplemental pay when his work hours were reduced due to retirement. Because he was now considered part time, he could no longer receive pay.
“We had no control, you have to be a full-time police officer under the statute,” Judice said. “There are areas we can clean up, as to why these people are continuously getting paid,” Judice said, underscoring the need for reform.
The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office recommended in a recent report that supplemental pay recipients resubmit eligibility documents, complete with updated job titles and descriptions, for regular review.
Rep. Dodie Horton, R-Haughton, Chair of the State Supplemental Pay subcommittee, emphasized that while the boards overseeing supplemental pay are powerful and their decisions final, the system needs to be streamlined and made clear.
“We need to make sure the supplemental pay remains for those who are truly deserving,” Horton said. “I get calls from people who resent that some are getting it who aren’t in the line of duty, not on hazard pay.”
