Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse joins the show to discuss crime trends, staffing challenges, and the potential role of the National Guard in urban policing. While President Trump has floated the idea of deploying the National Guard to cities like Chicago, Morse clarified that such a move would be complex. The National Guard lacks arrest powers, so their role would be limited. However, given BRPD’s shortage of 150 officers, Morse emphasized the department is open to help from any source, though he believes more federal agents—FBI, DEA, and ATF—would be more effective than military personnel.

Morse highlighted the department’s successful summer operation in collaboration with federal agencies, which led to over 100 arrests, many involving violent gang members. He praised his officers for their resilience, noting a 25–30% drop in non-fatal shootings and a 10% reduction in homicides compared to the previous year. Despite being understaffed, divisions like homicide are exceeding national clearance rates.

He also addressed public perception, explaining that while crime is statistically down across nearly all categories, isolated incidents—like a string of burglaries—can skew community sentiment. Morse stressed the importance of data-driven policing and community cooperation in reporting crimes and securing property.

The conversation turned somber with the mention of a tragic accidental shooting involving a 3-year-old. Morse expressed deep sympathy for the family and emphasized the importance of responsible gun ownership. He also acknowledged the emotional toll such incidents take on officers, praising their professionalism and compassion.

In closing, Morse reiterated BRPD’s openness to support and the need for targeted resources to continue making progress in public safety.

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