WBRZ - Baton Rouge

HOUMA - Law enforcement officials in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes are taking steps they hope will make room in the parish jails for an expected Carnival season influx.

The Courier reports that both jails are at about capacity: 680 inmates in Terrebonne and 245 in Lafourche.

Authorities are trying to move up court dates for some inmates in an effort to free space, and patrol officers are being asked to consider tickets and citations as alternatives to jailing offenders.

Both parishes draw crowds for the two weeks of parades that begin this coming weekend. Officials say major crimes are rare but they expect more arrests for alcohol-related offenses and minor crimes.