Governor John Bel Edwards won't be able to launch a nationwide search for a replacement for Louisiana State Police Superintendent, Mike Edmonson because such a search is precluded under state law, according to the New Orleans Advocate.
The newspaper reports that a state law dating back to the early 1980's, requires that the next Superintendent be selected from within the ranks of the department.
Edwards is expected to name an interim replacement for Edmonson this week.
The 58-year-old Superintendent announced his retirement as investigations continue into the travel policies and practices of the department.
The investigations were launched after it was reported that four state troopers drove to a meeting in San Diego last fall, charged overtime and made side trips to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.