LSP Tough Questions Answers Elusive

The former head of the Louisiana State Troopers Agency testified before the recently convened special House committee that is taking a further look into the details surrounding the death of Ronald Greene. Former LSP Supt. Kevin Reeves, who was head of the agency when Greene died after being arrested by Troopers, said that he “didn’t believe” that there was a coverup by LSP officials who handled Greene’s case. Reeves said that there was “no coverup” under his watch, even though he said that his knowledge of all that was done in the investigation/findings of Greene’s death, was limited. “There was no effort to my knowledge to cover up or mislead the public about Ronald Greene. Under more questioning, Reeves said that he “did not oversee or take any role” in the Greene investigation. A question that could be asked, but wasn’t, could be, how with limited knowledge, could he be so sure that a coverup didn’t exist. Reeves said that he “let the process play out”, because he didn’t want any perceived appearance on his part into the investigation of Greene be seen as “political”. That sent up a red flag to Rep. Tony Bacala, R-Prairieville, who said that he “was shocked” that top (officials) weren’t briefed more on such a controversial case. Reeves went on to defend himself saying, that throughout the investigation, he “had no” information anybody was covering up anything. The meeting became heated/intense at times, when Rep. Edmond Jordan, D-Baton Rouge suggested that the case might have been handled differently if Greene had been white. Reeves bristled at the suggestion that race played a factor in Greene’s death, saying that Jordan “didn’t have the right” to call him a racist, adding that he “devoted” his life to saving lives. Reeves may be unaware or didn’t want to address what his successor, Col. Lamar Davis is doing by initiating new polices at LSP after a string of controversial incidents involving LSP Troopers from Reeves’ former Troop “F” unit located in Monroe committing alleged acts of abuse/excessive force on Black motorists. Though Reeves’ testimony didn’t reveal anything specific (to no one’s surprise), many in the Black community will no doubt ask the same question that Greene’s mother, Mona Hardin asked after the hearing. Hardin is convinced that there was a coverup, as she wondered, how “awful” that somebody (Reeves) in such a high position, could have so many “I don’t know the answers”. That is a dilemma that House leaders may be facing, as their jobs may have gotten a little tougher if the truth will ever be known. It may have to come down to the federal government taking over the Greene’s case, as they are privy to much more information from LSP files and is in a better position to determine if LSP did indeed take part in a cover up to keep other Troopers from being arrested. The hearing will continue next week, as more witnesses are expected to be called to testify. Is there justice for Ronald Greene? It shouldn’t have to take this long.