STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF MAYOR-PRESIDENT SID EDWARDS

When I decided to run for Mayor-President, public safety was my number one priority, and over the last nine months, that goal has not changed. Our Baton Rouge Police Department has been working tirelessly, and I am encouraged that violent crime numbers are trending downward. However, our department is still operating with a shortage of roughly 150 officers. While progress is being made, even one victim is one too many. Additional resources can provide much-needed boots on the ground and extra eyes in our community to help keep our residents safe.

In the coming months, Baton Rouge will host a number of large events, including Mardi Gras, and ensuring the safety of those gatherings is critical. My long-term goal is to bring at least 100 more officers onto our streets, but that process takes time. In the meantime, supplemental support can help bridge the gap and strengthen our collective efforts to protect the people of Baton Rouge.

We are continuing to evaluate the details, logistics, and timeline of a possible National Guard deployment. Should troops be stationed in Baton Rouge, I will work to ensure they act in a supportive role rather than a replacement for our local police officers. As Mayor-President, I am committed to taking every necessary step to ensure the safety of all East Baton Rouge Parish residents. The chain of command and the Guard's official scope of responsibilities have yet to be determined. However, I will work closely with our state and federal partners to clarify details prior to any deployment. As more information becomes available, we will notify the public.