The New Orleans Inspector General’s office has issued a scathing report on the city’s parking enforcement.
It cited two officers who spent their shifts in coffee shops, using free wi-fi and their private cell phones while on duty.
The report found that after the businesses complained, the officers issued tickets to the business’ employees and customers.
It also found that federal law enforcement agencies complained that their vehicles were ticketed despite dashboard decals noting they were on official business. Those citations were later dismissed at administrative hearings.
The IG says the parking enforcement division did not cooperate with its investigation by taking several months to respond to inquiries.