Report Recommendation 3.5

Pillar 3: Technology and Social Media

BRPD Alignment

  1. The BRPD Department is committed to efficient and effective policing, including the use of technology that engages the community and builds trust through access. 
  2. Housed at BRPD Headquarters, the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) is a 21st-century Law Enforcement approach designed to leverage existing assets in real-time to improve public safety. 

  3. Through BRPD’s Connect Blue program, community partners may share or register their cameras with the RTCC. Connect Blue was created with significant input and leadership from the neighborhood and civic leaders and is providing law enforcement with opportunities to prevent and solve a crime. In fact, the Sherwood Forest Neighborhood Association, the biggest neighborhood organization in the Baton Rouge area, played a key role in leading this effort to ensure effective and feasible options were available for neighborhoods and residents.

    • The Community Camera Share Program (Connect Blue) offers businesses and residents two options:

    • Registered Cameras: Camera existence location has been shared, but real-time access has not been granted.

    • Shared Cameras: Camera existence and location have been shared; login credentials have been provided and real-time access has been granted. 


  4. BRPD is using social media not only to communicate with the local community but to monitor and analyze criminal activity through its Real Time Crime Center. General-Order-140-Social-Media-

  5. With the aim of increasing efficiency within the Department and offering citizens more convenience, the BRPD has created and implemented its Telephone Reporting Unit (TRU). Through the use of BRPD’s non-emergency number, 225-389-2000, citizens can use the TRU to make reports and calls about non-violent, non-emergency situations.

    • BRPD has also published a "QR" code, a two-dimensional bar code, on its website, social media pages, and on public transit vehicles so that citizens can scan the QR code with their smartphones to have a face-to-face conversation with a police officer in the TRU. 

  6. BRPD’s Public Information Programs and Policies General-Order-139-Media-Relations-and-Public-Information are designed to promote transparency and communicate accurate and timely information about BRPD and public safety issues. These programs and policies are designed to enhance public safety while protecting human rights and civil liberties. 

  7. BRPD uses technology to provide appropriate aids and services whenever necessary to ensure effective communication with persons who are deaf, have difficulty hearing, and/or for whom English is a second language

  8. As an accredited member of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), BRPD’s Social Media, Public Information, Surveillance Camera, In-Car Audio/Video/Body Worn Camera, and License Plate Recognition Systems are aligned with the standards set by the Commission. CALEA Accreditation program seals are reserved for use by those public safety agencies that have demonstrated compliance with CALEA Standards and have been awarded CALEA Accreditation by the Commission. 

  9. BRPD Police Chief shares updates on operations and initiatives to members of the Chief’s Advisory Council, whose members represent a cross-section of grassroots groups and local organizations. During these quarterly meetings, Council Members provide crucial feedback to help guide BRPD policies and operations, including the use of technology.

  10. Beyond the Chief’s Advisory Council, BRPD is consistently seeking feedback from community members through stakeholder meetings. During these interactions, local faith-based leaders, business leaders, non-profit organizations, elected officials, parents, students, and local educators, partner law enforcement agencies, criminal justice groups, and others engage in question-and-answer sessions with BRPD leadership.