Marijuana-Consuming Rodents Disrupt New Orleans Police Evidence Storage: “They’re all high.”

In an unusual turn of events, rodents with a penchant for cannabis have been discovered consuming marijuana evidence in the deteriorating evidence room of the New Orleans Police Department, leading officials to raise concerns.

Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick highlighted the issue to the City Council’s Criminal Justice Committee, noting the presence of cannabis-loving rats within the department’s outdated facility. Kirkpatrick’s revelation underscores her appeal for funding to secure a new facility that meets the demands of contemporary policing.

The existing police headquarters, established in 1968, faces numerous issues, including malfunctioning elevators, lack of air conditioning, and widespread infestation, making it an unsuitable environment for officers. The marijuana munching rats, in particular, pose a threat to the integrity of criminal evidence.

Kirkpatrick emphasized the extreme uncleanliness within the headquarters, crediting the janitorial staff for their efforts to maintain cleanliness in challenging conditions. The state of the facility, exacerbated by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, has led to an ongoing battle with rodents and pests, affecting morale and potentially deterring new recruits.

The situation has garnered attention from city council members, with Councilmember Oliver Thomas expressing surprise and concern over the revelations. Following discussions, the council has taken steps towards relocating the police department by approving a lease agreement for a new downtown office space, a move seen as a cost-effective solution compared to the exorbitant costs of renovating the existing premises.