While much of the office's staff working on civil litigation has being furloughed, activities deemed essential to the safety of human life and protection of property continue with limited interruption. U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced Tuesday that operations of all divisions of the Western District of the state - Lafayette, Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria and Lake Charles - have been affected by the partial shutdown in effect since midnight Oct. 1.
Photo by Robin May
U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley says staff working on civil litigation has been furloughed, along with administrative and criminal support employees.
Most criminal litigation and related work will continue, with limited interruption, as these activities are deemed essential to the safety of human life and the protection of property.
Finley's office is working closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement on criminal matters. However, because of the appropriation lapse and partial shutdown, much of the office's staff working on civil litigation is being furloughed, she announced.
Administrative and criminal support staff are also being furloughed.
All civil litigation in which the office is involved will be curtailed or postponed to the extent possible without compromising public safety or the protection of property.
The lapse in funding for the activities of the U.S. Department of Justice means Finley's office will not be able to readily respond to media inquiries, with press releases limited to urgent matters involving public safety. The office's website will not be actively updated during the shutdown.
The district will continue to receive communications from the public via mail, email and/or telephone. For additional information concerning the effects of the appropriations lapse and partial shutdown, click here.