A police department in Louisiana has allegedly used the siren sound effect from the Purge movies to deter citizens from going out of doors during the coronavirus curfew measures.

According to KATC News, a number of videos have leaked on social media showing police cruisers driving around after dark, blaring the sound effect from their speakers to warn local residents not to be outside between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am.

In a recent Facebook status, the Crowley Police Department defended the idea, stating that it was implemented with the aim of preventing the further spread of the disease. A spokesperson wrote: "Acadia Parish received the worse rating for the rapid spread of the virus."

They added: "It has been put into place in order [to] try and slow the spread. There is nothing anyone needs to be on the roads besides emergency situations. If you don’t want to comply with the orders of the Sheriff and the Chiefs, you will [be] dealt with accordingly."

Meanwhile, per KATC, Acadia Parish Sheriff K.P. Gibson issued a statement denying that his department was using the siren after a number of residents issued complaints about the unorthodox tactic.

Gibson stated: "Last night a 'Purge Siren; was utilized by the Crowley Police Department as part of their starting curfew. We have received numerous complaints with the belief that our agency was involved in this process.''

He added: "We were not involved in the use of the “Purge Siren” and will not utilize any type of siren for this purpose. Calls regarding this matter should be directed to the Crowley Police / Chief Broussard and not the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office."

A police department in Louisiana has allegedly used the siren sound effect from the Purge movies to deter citizens from going out of doors during the coronavirus curfew measures.

According to KATC News, a number of videos have leaked on social media showing police cruisers driving around after dark, blaring the sound effect from their speakers to warn local residents not to be outside between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am.

In a recent Facebook status, the Crowley Police Department defended the idea, stating that it was implemented with the aim of preventing the further spread of the disease. A spokesperson wrote: "Acadia Parish received the worse rating for the rapid spread of the virus."

They added: "It has been put into place in order [to] try and slow the spread. There is nothing anyone needs to be on the roads besides emergency situations. If you don’t want to comply with the orders of the Sheriff and the Chiefs, you will [be] dealt with accordingly."

Meanwhile, per KATC, Acadia Parish Sheriff K.P. Gibson issued a statement denying that his department was using the siren after a number of residents issued complaints about the unorthodox tactic.

Gibson stated: "Last night a 'Purge Siren; was utilized by the Crowley Police Department as part of their starting curfew. We have received numerous complaints with the belief that our agency was involved in this process.''

He added: "We were not involved in the use of the “Purge Siren” and will not utilize any type of siren for this purpose. Calls regarding this matter should be directed to the Crowley Police / Chief Broussard and not the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office."