BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Louisiana State Police is opening its doors throughout December, hosting open house events aimed at giving potential applicants a closer look at what it takes to become a state trooper.

Troop leaders said the goal is to recruit men and women who are prepared for the demands of the job and committed to serving their communities.

Troop A Public Information Officer Shelby Mayfield said the open houses are designed to make the application process more accessible.

“One of the reasons we generated these open houses was to allow our applicants to come in and get a look inside the troop, meet some state troopers from across the troop area, and ask whatever questions they may have to the recruiters who are present,” Mayfield said.

Along with information sessions, Mayfield said the events help future applicants better understand the daily responsibilities of law enforcement and the mindset troopers are expected to bring to the job.

“We want to make sure that that trooper knows how important officer safety is,” he said. “But more importantly, we want to make sure they go out there with a pure heart.”

The Louisiana State Police Training Academy is known for its rigorous curriculum that prepares cadets for real-world situations. From crash investigations to communication skills, instructors focus on developing well-rounded troopers who can serve safely and effectively.

Mayfield said applicants must be ready for a variety of interactions, not just emergencies.

“Not everything is going to be a high-intensity, rapidly evolving situation,” he said. “You need to be able to deal with the public to accomplish your job, and that’s why we preach not just getting the job done, but being able to relate to the public so you can meet their needs.”

The application deadline for Cadet Class 109 is Jan. 6, 2026. Mayfield encourages anyone who feels called to the profession to take the next step.

“If this is something you genuinely have in your heart to do, reach out to somebody when it’s convenient for you,” he said. “Even if you miss a deadline, never give up because it’s never too late.”

Open house events will continue throughout the month at troop locations across Louisiana. More information on Cadet Class 109 and the application process is available on the Louisiana State Police website.

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On Saturday, Dec. 6, a convenience store manager in Kenner, Louisiana locked out a group of Border Patrol agents, denying them entry to the store.

Wayne Davis, who is assistant manager of the store, was helping a customer when he noticed two unmarked SUVs pull into the parking lot and stop at the front of the store.

After seeing agents wearing border patrol vests exit the two vehicles, Davis locked the door from behind the counter as the agents approached, WWL Louisiana reported.

Video goes viral of Louisiana store manager who locked out Border Patrol agents

The agents kept trying to open the door, looking at Davis through the store window in confusion. This is when Davis began recording, WWL Louisiana reported.

In the video, Davis is seen raising his middle finger to the agents outside before moving from his place behind the counter and standing at the entrance of the store.

From behind the store’s closed door, Davis begins goading the agents lingering outside near the store’s front.

“What do you want man, you want some chicken? You ain’t getting it here… Go somewhere else, you ain’t getting no chicken,” Davis taunts.

After noticing Davis recording on his cellphone from within the store, one of the only agents seen without facial coverings turns his back to the door.

“Dang, you don’t wanna show your face now?… I know you can hear me… Why you not showing your face? You wanted to show your face everywhere else,” Davis provokes while still recording.

Davis told WWL Louisiana that, at this point, he realized the agent was Gregory Bovino, who is commander of Border Patrol and has been in New Orleans as part of Operation Catahoula Crunch.

“Bye, bye,” Davis said facetiously while waving from behind the store’s locked door as agents retreated back into their vehicles.

Davis is seen in the video raising his middle finger once more as the unmarked SUVS drive away and exit the parking lot

Can businesses refuse entry to Border Patrol agents?

Louisiana state law dictates interfering with immigration operations a felony offense, considering interfering actions an obstruction of justice.

However, businesses generally retain the right to refuse service to any person for any reason, unless that person belongs to a protected class, which immigration enforcement agents are not a part of.

Furthermore, if a business denies immigration enforcement agents entry, they cannot forcibly enter unless there is a judicial warrant signed by a judge, according to the ACLU.

Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com