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Chief Morse
Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morris joins the show to discuss various aspects of the police department's current situation and efforts. He highlighted a significant decrease in homicides and non-fatal shootings this year, attributing this success to multiple factors, including increased overtime hours for the Special Investigation Division, gun violence reduction programs, and strong community relationships.
Chief Morris emphasized the importance of community involvement in identifying and holding individuals accountable. He mentioned his ongoing efforts to engage with the community, such as speaking at events like the one at Gus Young Community Park with Councilwoman Twana Harris. Despite these successes, the department faces challenges, particularly being 150 officers short compared to previous years. Morris praised his officers for their hard work and dedication despite being understaffed and overworked. He noted that 80 of the 150 open positions are currently frozen due to budget constraints, specifically a $9 million reduction from last year. To address staffing issues, Morris supports the mayor's plan to unfreeze positions and increase officer pay to remain competitive with surrounding agencies.
He believes that with a pay raise, the department could significantly increase its number of officers by next year. Recruitment remains a challenge, with fewer applicants than in the past. The department aims to run two academies a year, with the next one starting in July. Morris stressed the importance of maintaining high standards and not sacrificing quality for quantity in recruitment. Budget cuts have also impacted the department's ability to provide overtime for community events, requiring event organizers to hire officers for extra duty. Morris advocates for the department and its officers, emphasizing the need for adequate funding to maintain public safety and community engagement.
Chief Morris emphasized the importance of community involvement in identifying and holding individuals accountable. He mentioned his ongoing efforts to engage with the community, such as speaking at events like the one at Gus Young Community Park with Councilwoman Twana Harris. Despite these successes, the department faces challenges, particularly being 150 officers short compared to previous years. Morris praised his officers for their hard work and dedication despite being understaffed and overworked. He noted that 80 of the 150 open positions are currently frozen due to budget constraints, specifically a $9 million reduction from last year. To address staffing issues, Morris supports the mayor's plan to unfreeze positions and increase officer pay to remain competitive with surrounding agencies.
He believes that with a pay raise, the department could significantly increase its number of officers by next year. Recruitment remains a challenge, with fewer applicants than in the past. The department aims to run two academies a year, with the next one starting in July. Morris stressed the importance of maintaining high standards and not sacrificing quality for quantity in recruitment. Budget cuts have also impacted the department's ability to provide overtime for community events, requiring event organizers to hire officers for extra duty. Morris advocates for the department and its officers, emphasizing the need for adequate funding to maintain public safety and community engagement.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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By Brian HaldaneBaton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morris joins the show to discuss various aspects of the police department's current situation and efforts. He highlighted a significant decrease in homicides and non-fatal shootings this year, attributing this success to multiple factors, including increased overtime hours for the Special Investigation Division, gun violence reduction programs, and strong community relationships.
Chief Morris emphasized the importance of community involvement in identifying and holding individuals accountable. He mentioned his ongoing efforts to engage with the community, such as speaking at events like the one at Gus Young Community Park with Councilwoman Twana Harris. Despite these successes, the department faces challenges, particularly being 150 officers short compared to previous years. Morris praised his officers for their hard work and dedication despite being understaffed and overworked. He noted that 80 of the 150 open positions are currently frozen due to budget constraints, specifically a $9 million reduction from last year. To address staffing issues, Morris supports the mayor's plan to unfreeze positions and increase officer pay to remain competitive with surrounding agencies.
He believes that with a pay raise, the department could significantly increase its number of officers by next year. Recruitment remains a challenge, with fewer applicants than in the past. The department aims to run two academies a year, with the next one starting in July. Morris stressed the importance of maintaining high standards and not sacrificing quality for quantity in recruitment. Budget cuts have also impacted the department's ability to provide overtime for community events, requiring event organizers to hire officers for extra duty. Morris advocates for the department and its officers, emphasizing the need for adequate funding to maintain public safety and community engagement.
Chief Morris emphasized the importance of community involvement in identifying and holding individuals accountable. He mentioned his ongoing efforts to engage with the community, such as speaking at events like the one at Gus Young Community Park with Councilwoman Twana Harris. Despite these successes, the department faces challenges, particularly being 150 officers short compared to previous years. Morris praised his officers for their hard work and dedication despite being understaffed and overworked. He noted that 80 of the 150 open positions are currently frozen due to budget constraints, specifically a $9 million reduction from last year. To address staffing issues, Morris supports the mayor's plan to unfreeze positions and increase officer pay to remain competitive with surrounding agencies.
He believes that with a pay raise, the department could significantly increase its number of officers by next year. Recruitment remains a challenge, with fewer applicants than in the past. The department aims to run two academies a year, with the next one starting in July. Morris stressed the importance of maintaining high standards and not sacrificing quality for quantity in recruitment. Budget cuts have also impacted the department's ability to provide overtime for community events, requiring event organizers to hire officers for extra duty. Morris advocates for the department and its officers, emphasizing the need for adequate funding to maintain public safety and community engagement.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.