[JURIST] Speaking at a press conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco has said she has asked for "no less than 40,000 troops" from the federal government to help restore order and assist civil authorities in the New Orleans area and elsewhere in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and will ask for more if needed. She said that over 12,000 National Guard personnel will be in the state by Friday, coming from as far afield as Arkansas, Texas and Kentucky. In the meantime Blanco stressed she had ordered Louisiana law enforcement officers to "strictly enforce Lousiana law" and "use necessary force" to stop lawlessness. Earlier in the day Blanco issued an executive order [text] authorizing the taking of public school buses for the purpose of transporting evacuees. The press conference is ongoing.

3:18 PM ET - A Louisiana state police spokesman at the press conference says that looters "will not take control" of New Orleans, and that a temporary detention facility for arrested persons is being set up. He called for people not to spread rumors.

Previously in JURIST's Paper Chase:

• President Bush: "zero tolerance" for Katrina lawbreakers
• UPDATE ~ New Orleans mayor declares "martial law", pulls police from rescues to halt looting
• Louisiana officials struggle to contain looting in Katrina's wake