East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office forms new unit to investigate gang-related crimes
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office has formed a new unit focused on investigating street and upper-level drug dealers, gang members and violent crime.
The new Gang Intelligence and Enforcement Unit is made up of narcotics investigators, the Special Community Anti-Crime Team and gang intelligence divisions.
“This is a multi-division, full time unit that will proactively investigate street and upper-level drug dealers, gang members and others involved in violent crime in East Baton Rouge Parish,” said Sheriff Sid Gautreaux.
Gautreaux said the unit will work with the homicide unit, School Drug Task Force and Special Operations Intelligence Division, EBRSO Investigative Support Unit, EBR Parish Prison and EBR District Attorney.
“I want the community to know that this is a new, proactive concerted effort to combat gang-related activity in East Baton Rouge Parish,” Gautreaux said. “These individuals and groups profit off of using violence and fear to control neighborhoods and boost their illegal activities.”
“It will assist homicide in gang related homicides and shootings. Coordinate with school drug task force for any possible school related gang activity,” said Gautreaux.
East Baton Rouge Parish coroner talks about number of overdose deaths, homicides in 2023
According to the sheriff’s office, gangs and drug dealers are responsible for 80% or more of violent crime in the parish.
“Safety is a major concern for residents in East Baton Rouge Parish,” Gautreaux emphasized at a press conference announcement on Thursday.
The EBRSO Narcotics Division has seized almost 90,000 lethal doses of fentanyl, nearly 300 firearms, more than a million dollars and made 137 felony arrests in the past year, Gautreaux said.
Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome supports EBRSO’s new initiative to reduce violent crime. Read her full statement below.
“Today’s action by Sheriff Gautreaux was another significant step forward in the parish’s collective endeavor to address public safety and steer crime statistics back to the downward trajectory they were on. Over the last few weeks I have had many conversations with our law enforcement partners to gain shared commitments to enhance collaboration and bolster efforts in tackling the root causes of criminal activity. We will continue to work with all local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies regularly to leave no stone unturned in creating a safer Baton Rouge.”
EBR Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome
According to the mayor’s office, the Baton Rouge Police Department has created a Special Investigations Unit aimed at “dismantling criminal activities perpetrated by groups and gangs.”
East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore emphasizes that a lot of crime in the parish is seen among violent gangs and groups. Moore emphasized there’s a difference among both.
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“There is a difference. Groups are more violent and uncontrolled as compared to a gang. So, we use the term gang because that’s what the statute has,” Moore said, referring to the Louisiana Revised Statue.
As the unit will work closely to solve cases, and ease with the rise of homicides. Moore sent out one special reminder, the need to speak out.
“This has to stop. You have to call people out,” Moore said.
An announcement of the new sheriff’s office unit was made during a Thursday, April 11 news conference at EBRSO headquarters.
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