Louisiana § RS 40:2533 - Personnel files
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 40:2533 — Personnel files, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 40:2533. Personnel files
A. No law enforcement officer shall have any comment adverse to his interest entered in his personnel file, or any other file used for any personnel purposes by his employer, without the law enforcement officer's having first read and signed the instrument containing the adverse comment indicating he is aware of such comment, except that such entry may be made if, after reading such instrument, the law enforcement officer refuses to sign it. Should a law enforcement officer refuse to sign, that fact shall be noted on that document and signed or initialed by such officer.
B. A law enforcement officer shall have thirty days within which to file a written response to any adverse comment entered in his personnel file. Such written response shall be attached to and shall accompany the adverse comment.
C.(1) A law enforcement officer, upon written request, shall have any record of a formal complaint made against the officer for any violation of a municipal or parish ordinance or state criminal statute listed in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection involving domestic violence expunged from his personnel file, if the complaint was made anonymously to the police department and the charges are not substantiated within twelve months of the lodging of the complaint.
(2)(a) Any violation of a municipal or parish ordinance or state statute defining criminal battery and assault.
(b) Any violation of other municipal or parish ordinances or state statutes including criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, or disturbing the peace if the incident occurred at either the home of the victim or the officer or the violation was the result of an obvious domestic dispute.
D. Sustained complaints against the law enforcement officer shall remain in the officer's personnel file for a period of at least ten years, but only after the officer has exhausted all administrative appeals to which he is entitled.
Acts 1985, No. 425, §1; Acts 1995, No. 232, §1; Acts 1995, No. 915, §1; Acts 1995, No. 1251, §2; Acts 2005, No. 452, §1; Acts 2021, No. 451, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 40:2533
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 40:2533 cover?
Section RS 40:2533 ("Personnel files") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 40:2533?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 40:2533" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 40:2533 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.