Central Mayor Wade Evans says the city is moving toward a hybrid policing model that blends the work of Central Police with coverage from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. He believes this approach improves response times, lowers costs, and avoids the long-term financial strain many municipalities face with fully staffed departments.
Central Moves Toward a Blended Police Model
Evans says the plan would mirror what residents already see day to day. Central Police would remain first responders, with sheriff’s deputies working alongside them. He argues the model protects taxpayers from legacy costs that have pushed more than 300 Louisiana municipalities into financial trouble.
The mayor points to existing sheriff substations in Central and Pride as key advantages. Those facilities already support dispatch, coverage zones, and infrastructure, so he expects no major shifts in service. If the plan moves forward, the city council—not voters—would approve the agreement.
Evans says the goal is simple: deliver “adequate and sufficient law enforcement,” the requirement outlined in the Larson Act, without raising taxes. A full-time standalone police department would cost the city an estimated $6.8 million a year. The hybrid plan lands closer to $4.3–$4.8 million, plus a sheriff’s contract.
Mayor Responds to Audit Claims
Evans also addressed a recent social media post from Councilwoman Dan Wells, who claimed Central misused ARPA funds. He called the claims false, saying the city received a clean audit and that the only issue involved updated federal reporting requirements for a DOT road project—unrelated to ARPA.
He says the city corrected its grant policy immediately and that the post was political, not factual. “When you don’t have anything to run on, you make stuff up,” Evans said.
What’s Next
Evans plans to continue discussions with the sheriff’s office and council. He believes the hybrid model positions Central for strong, sustainable public safety over the next 18 years.