1. Procedural justice is embedded in our culture, beginning with BRPD’s Academy Curriculum.
2. BRPD’s Basic Training Academy provides 40 hours of Critical Incident training facilitated by an outside expert instructor.  This training provides officers with best practices, resources, and tools for communicating with community members who do not speak English or whose ability to communicate is impaired (e.g., people who are hard of hearing or deaf), as well as persons who suffer from mental health problems and substance abuse.
3. BRPD also partners with The Bridge Center for Hope to provide resources and assistance to persons who suffer from mental health problems and substance abuse.

4. Also, with the aim of ensuring the Community Policing concept and expectation is department-wide and not just the responsibility of the Community Services Division, all supervisors have received training in Community Policing (best practices) through the National Safety Partnership, through its sponsorship and participation in community programs and events, BRPD interacts with citizens in a non-law enforcement capacity several hundred times each year. Prior to the pandemic in 2020, BRPD participated in an average of 300+ community events each year (2018 and 2019).In particular, BRPD is working with partner agencies and local organizations to bridge the gap with the city’s youngest generations. There is a particular focus on creating and participating in school events, through partnerships with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, as well as private and parochial schools.

Additionally, after a decade-long hiatus, BRPD recently re-launched its Explorers Post #225 program. The program is for students, ages 14-18. Explorers #225 gives participants a real look at a career as a first responder, with an emphasis on Law Enforcement as they rotate through each Division of BRPD.  During the program, participants learn their rights, as well as the local and state laws of Louisiana.  They are trained in First Aid and CPR and even have opportunities to ride with EMS on service calls. Participants acquire team-building skills. And most importantly, they grow in compassion for their fellow citizens through community service and volunteerism and form trusting relationships with police officers. 

Similarly, adults ages 18-21 can participate in BRPD’s Cadet program, whereby participants work full-time for the BRPD, shadowing police officers in every Division.  Although Cadets must still complete the Department’s Training Academy to become sworn police officers, their years of service start accruing on their first day as Cadets. The Cadet program is meeting its objectives, encouraging young adults to pursue careers in law enforcement, and giving community members an upfront and personal view of BRPD.

BRPD also works closely with other organizations such as FOAM (Fathers on a Mission), Boys and Girls Club of America, Big Buddy Program, 100 Black Men, Safety Place, and the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board to reach the youth of our Baton Rouge community and assist with guiding them down a positive life path.