By james art BATON ROUGE – So far, 2024 has the fifth highest homicide rate on record within Baton Rouge city limits. Mayoral candidates Nathaniel Hearn, R-Baton Rouge, and Ted James, D-Baton Rouge, told WBRZ what they think the city needs to deter serious crime.
“Implementing tougher penalties and really making sure our criminal justice system runs smoothly and efficiently,” Hearn said.
“We need to invest in these prevention programs, we need to increase opportunities for young people in terms of education and job creation,” James said.
Hearn says the merger of the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office and the Baton Rouge Police Department would greatly benefit the city.
“It allows for more specific policing in certain localized areas where crime is at a higher level,” Hearn said.
James said he believes the two departments should work together, but not merge.
“Our sheriff’s department and BRPD need to work together, especially in zip codes that we know have high crime rates,” James said.
Hearn says a direct approach is needed to reduce violence in Baton Rouge.
“We need to enforce crime deterrence in higher crime areas before things get out of hand and crime spreads to another area.” We have to come face to face with the violence, get down to the ground level and deal with individual situations as they arise,” he said.
James says the problem is more than just a matter of law enforcement. He believes that social issues need to be addressed to see a reduction in crime.
“We need to make sure we provide opportunities for those who will benefit and help those who need it. Like those with mental illness or drug addiction. We have to have a whole of government approach or none of us are going to be in the community we all deserve to live in,” he said.