Mayor-President Sid Edwards joins the show to express strong support for bringing the National Guard to Baton Rouge to address rising crime and public safety concerns. He emphasized that misconceptions about the Guard’s role have led to premature judgments, clarifying that he envisions a supportive presence—not aggressive enforcement. His advocacy stems from personal experiences, including the tragic deaths of students and innocent bystanders, which have deeply affected him since taking office.
Edwards acknowledged the strain on local law enforcement, noting the city is short about 150 officers. While praising their efforts, he stressed the need for additional support. He hopes the Guard can assist with community events, traffic control, and even non-enforcement tasks like trash pickup and blight reduction. Importantly, he does not want the Guard to resemble a militarized force but rather a reassuring presence in high-crime areas.
He shared that some residents in affected neighborhoods quietly welcome the idea, hoping it will bring peace and safety. However, he understands public anxiety, including concerns from his own family. Edwards emphasized that the deployment would be temporary and tailored to Baton Rouge’s unique layout, which lacks the dense, centralized areas seen in cities like New Orleans.
While specific implementation details are still being discussed with the governor, Edwards mentioned potential strategies like pairing Guardsmen with police officers or independent patrols. He cited past initiatives, such as running fire trucks through high-crime zones with sirens on, to illustrate how visibility alone can deter crime.
Ultimately, Edwards urged the community to remain open-minded and give the plan a chance. He promised ongoing communication and transparency as discussions with the governor progress, emphasizing that his goal is to reduce violence and restore safety without disrupting the community’s daily life.
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