Five new policies designed to reform the Baton Rouge Police Department.
“Officers are required to de-escalate situations when possible, before using force,” said East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome.
These changes start now and did not come from just Mayor Broome, but were developed together with community members and police.
“We’ve always taught de-escalation principles and things along these lines in our academy process and in our in-service training. The difference comes in now where these are actually written into policy and can hold an officer accountable for their actions,” explained Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie. “The community has asked for it, and we’re delivering results now as opposed to waiting until a decision or a verdict comes out.”
Chief Dabadie is talking about the Alton Sterling investigation.
Sterling’s Aunt Veda Washington says her family members want to see a better relationship between officers and those they serve, specifically with BRPD.
“It’s not the sheriff’s office. It’s not the state troopers. It’s not them. It’s only the city. I want to know why?” questioned Washington.
Dabadie said the department is doing what it can to address those concerns.
“It is our goal. It is our mission. It’s is our vision to serve the people in this community with honor respect and dignity. We’re going to continue to do that, and we do that every day,” concluded Chief Dabadie.
For a look at all the policies, just head to the link below:
http://nxs-release.go-vip.net/wgmb/news/local-news/mayors-advisory-council-recommends-brpd-use-of-force-changes-new-policies-take-effect-immediatel/648766726