Infestation and decay plague department as city plans relocation
In a bizarre twist at the New Orleans police headquarters, officials have reported an unusual problem: rats high on marijuana. The rodents have been feasting on confiscated cannabis stored in the ageing and dilapidated building, adding to the challenges faced by the police force. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick shared these startling details with New Orleans City Council members, highlighting the extent of vermin infestations and overall decay at the facility.
The police department, housed in the same location since 1968, has struggled with mold, cockroaches, and now, rats that seem to have developed a taste for marijuana. Officers have discovered rat droppings on their desks, signifying the severity of the infestation. The impact of the cannabis-consuming rats on legal cases, if any, remains unclear, as the department has not provided additional information on the matter.
City officials are now prioritizing the relocation of the police department to a new space. Superintendent Kirkpatrick, who assumed her position in October, emphasized the demoralizing effect of the building’s conditions on staff and the negative impression it leaves on potential recruits. The city council is considering a proposal to spend $7.6 million on a 10-year lease for temporary headquarters in a downtown high-rise, offering a much-needed reprieve while plans for a new permanent headquarters are developed.
Experts are not entirely surprised by the rats’ behaviour, as they are known to be omnivores. Depending on the form and concentration of the marijuana ingested, the rats could experience effects similar to humans. This peculiar situation underscores the challenges of maintaining law and order in a facility that has become almost unmanageable due to its state of disrepair.
As New Orleans moves forward with its plans to provide the police department with a cleaner, safer working environment, the story of the marijuana-munching rats serves as a stark reminder of the unexpected issues law enforcement agencies can face.
