New coalition believes it has answers to less crime

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – There are over 100 agencies in the capital region working to bring crime to an all-time low, but violence still happens every day. A new coalition believes it has the solutions to slow it down.

“Crime affects every man, woman and child who lives in East Baton Rouge parish and I don’t care if you live in a gated community or in a poor area of ​​town, all these people everywhere want that in peace live and raise a family,” said Sheriff Sid Gautreaux III, East Baton Rouge.

A new coalition of more than 100 local leaders from government, law enforcement and non-profit organizations has been formed to curb crime in Baton Rouge. It’s called SAFE BR.

“It’s hard to help people if you don’t know how to reach them, if you don’t understand them and if you don’t know how to communicate with them,” said Johnnie Domino, Community Leader. But residents like Johnnie Domino say he’s heard it before and admits the city is trying. “I loved everything they talked about. I worry about execution and getting things really done and getting the money to the people,” he continued.

In the coalition, local leaders partner with businesses to invest in the community. Hopefully put young people on the right path. “We’re raising money for new technology, law enforcement and we will support investments in communities that turn young people out of crime and into either education or a career path that keeps them out of trouble,” claimed Clay Young, Chair of Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice Foundation.

Young says her goal is to bridge the gap between city officials and the community. He understands that local residents are frustrated, but SAFE-BR is different and change is on the way. “So it’s not just lip service,” Young explained. “We already have a game plan and a schedule and are already gathering resources.”

According to Young, more crime-lowering events will be held soon.