Mardi Gras Wrap-Up Shows Strong Safety Efforts
Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says Mardi Gras wrapped up with few major issues despite massive crowds across the city.
Hundreds of officers worked parade routes and busy areas downtown. Police used drones, traffic teams, and command units to monitor crowds and manage traffic.
Morse said the strategy helped officers handle hundreds of thousands of people who attended parades and celebrations.
“Everything seemed to go really well,” Morse said. “We had officers everywhere from traffic posts to drone monitoring.”
Police plan to use the same approach this weekend during the Wearin’ of the Green Parade, one of Baton Rouge’s largest annual events.
Police Plan Similar Strategy for Wearin’ of the Green
The Wearin’ of the Green Parade often draws crowds comparable to Mardi Gras Day.
Morse said the department expects large daytime crowds along the route. Officers will again rely on drones and crowd monitoring tools.
Unlike Mardi Gras, the parade runs through different neighborhoods and carries a more family-friendly atmosphere.
Police leaders hope the visible presence of officers will help keep the event safe while allowing officers to interact with residents.
Morse encouraged attendees to thank officers working the event.
225 Fest Incident Under Investigation
Morse also addressed the recent 225 Fest, which brought roughly 20,000 people downtown.
Most of the event ran smoothly, he said. However, officers responded to reports of shots fired near the levee during the festival.
Police believe a group of juveniles argued before at least one person fired a gun. No one was injured.
Investigators are reviewing crime camera footage to identify the suspects involved.
Morse stressed the shooting did not happen within the main festival footprint.
Chief Raises Concerns About Repeat Offenders
Morse also discussed a recent arrest involving a 23-year-old accused of raping a 94-year-old woman. He described the crime as horrific and pointed to a larger concern about repeat offenders.
According to Morse, officers often arrest suspects who already carry lengthy criminal histories.
He said the broader criminal justice system must address issues like low bonds, broken ankle monitors, and years-long court backlogs.
“If we fix other parts of the system,” Morse said, “we could do even better.”
Baton Rouge Crime Trends Moving in the Right Direction
Despite high-profile crimes, Morse said Baton Rouge crime statistics continue to improve.
Shootings and homicides dropped last year, and the city currently reports a 13 percent decrease compared with the same time last year.
Police handled 13,907 calls for service in February alone, including 285 felony arrests, 39 juvenile arrests, and 103 gun seizures.
Morse credited the department’s officers for those results, calling them some of the best law enforcement professionals in the country.
The department will also host its Chief’s Awards Banquet this week to recognize officers who went above and beyond in 2025.