Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman says he's notified employees of a furlough policy that will take effecton Monday, June 4th.

The policy the sheriff's office says in a written statement, "Includes top staff and administration but not the deputies involved in inmate security. It will require those affected to take one day without pay per two-week pay period."

Gusman says that the action is necessary because of additional financial pressures on the Sheriff's office. "The office is in a state of transition with the recent closure of the House of Detention and an overall reduction in the intake and housing of inmates. This action will not affect our deputies involved in inmate security. It will include approximately 25 percent of our workforce, including all administrative personnel and all of those at or above the rank of Major," he said.  

Sheriff Gusman anticipates the furlough will not last until the end of this year. "We regret the financial hardship that this furlough day may bring on each employee, but it is a necessary measure to avoid layoffs," he added.