Parades Stay Safe With New Tools
Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse says the first Mardi Gras weekend ran safely.
BRPD used drones to watch crowds and guide traffic.
The team also spotted a man with a gun and moved in fast.
Because of that, the parades stayed calm.
BRPD Builds a Strong Drone Program
BRPD now runs a full drone unit.
More than 20 officers hold FAA certifications.
They can launch small drones in seconds.
Larger drones help with big events, and they cover wide areas quickly.
As a result, officers respond faster and see more.
Training Stays In-House
BRPD trains drone pilots inside the department.
Officers pay for the FAA test up front.
After they pass, the department reimburses them.
This system keeps training consistent and adds new pilots often.
It also strengthens the whole team.
Budget Limits Push Innovation
Because the budget tightened, BRPD reduced helicopter use.
The department then moved that money to the drone program.
Drones cost less and give officers more options.
As technology improves, the drone program keeps growing.
New Technology Supports Police Work
BRPD now uses crime cameras, license plate readers, and AI tools.
These systems help track vehicles by color, model, and direction.
As a result, detectives work faster and follow leads sooner.
The tools also help officers stay ahead of rising technology.
Real-Time Crime Center Brings It All Together
All video and alerts feed into the Real-Time Crime Center.
Officers and analysts review footage together.
They monitor cars as they move across the city.
They also match video from doorbell cameras and business cameras.
Because everything sits in one place, teams move quickly.
Why Crime Reporting Looks Different
National rules like LIBRS and NIBRS guide how agencies report crime.
Each state uses different terms, so the national system groups them in one model.
BRPD now uses the Axon report system to follow these rules.
Teams review each report several times to keep data accurate.
This process helps track local and national crime trends.
Honoring BRPD Sergeant Caleb Eisworth
BRPD is raising money to send more officers to Police Week in Washington, D.C.
Sergeant Caleb Eisworth’s name will be added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial.
His family and an escort officer will attend.
Because many officers want to join them, BRPD is asking for public support.
Donations through the Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Foundation help cover travel costs.