Baton Rouge Police Department, Louisiana
A New Era of Policing that Helps People Heal and Fight Crime
In 2018, the Baton Rouge Police Department ushered a new era of policing with a six-point high strategy addressing crime through: Analytics & Intelligence, Resources, Accountability & Transparency, Training, Technology, and Community Engagement. They have been working hard to ensure that not only citizens feel safe within the community and police-community relations are improved, but have worked hard to implement an officer wellness program for those who put their lives on the line every day. The BRPD is making great strides to ensure officers are not only equipped with the tools, resources, and training needed to do their jobs effectively, but also have available resources and outlets for officers to address mental and physical wellness issues resulting from exposure to occupational trauma. By taking care of officers and engaging the community through the establishment of the Chief's Advisory Council and the implementation of the Collective Healing Initiative, they are breaking down barriers and forming true partnerships that aims to help all Baton Rouge stakeholders. Additionally, the Real Time Crime Center is using cutting edge technologies to target crime as well as foster long-term relationships throughout the parish. All of these efforts are a result of B.R.P.D. realizing the need to do better, the need to do more, and the need to be a progressive and legitimate agency. There are a lot of good things happening in the Baton Rouge Police Department that will make Baton Rouge a safer, more united, and trauma-informed community.