Mayor-President Sid Edwards announced on Apr. 23 that the East Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council has approved his proposal to implement the largest pay raise in the history of the Baton Rouge Police Department.
The decision is seen as an important step toward recruiting and retaining high-quality police officers in Baton Rouge, as well as addressing current staffing shortages within the department.
Edwards said, “First, I want to thank the members of the Metropolitan Council for a series of thoughtful discussions and idea exchanges over the past few weeks.” He added, “Because of our collaboration, we are now able to implement the largest pay raise for our police in the department’s history.”
He noted that tonight’s decision would help avoid millions of dollars in penalties if BRPD staffing decreased further. According to Edwards, “Today, our police force is understaffed by 150 officers. But, tomorrow, that picture changes as we kick into high gear to retain our expert veteran officers and recruit new, high-quality officers.”
In response to this approval, a major recruiting effort will begin soon. “Billboards and social media will advertise ‘Top Quality, Highest Paid, and Apply Now,’ as we make an aggressive effort to rebuild our force and protect and serve like never before,” Edwards said.
With this change, starting salaries for new officers will increase from $40,000 to $58,000 per year with opportunities to earn $65,000 after their first year. Edwards also mentioned investments in technology and training intended to help prevent and solve crimes.
“Tonight, we celebrate more high-quality officers to patrol and make our streets safer,” he said. “We celebrate that our officers will be the highest paid municipal police in Louisiana.” Concluding his statement he added: “But most of all we celebrate on behalf of our citizens who deserve the best police force we can provide. That’s what I pledged when I ran for Mayor-President, and that’s what we will do.”
