Community Members Voice Concerns About Youth Crime in Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, La. – Residents and law enforcement officials gathered at Iglesia De Dios El Milagro church on June 6 to discuss rising concerns about youth crime in Baton Rouge. The ongoing "Community Conversations with Law Enforcement Officials," initiated in 2020, provided a platform for residents to voice their worries and seek solutions.

The meeting highlighted the alarming crime rate among local youth. Baton Rouge Police Department Chief Thomas Morse shared recent statistics, revealing 1,494 arrests this year, 311 of which involved juveniles. Comparing year-over-year data, Chief Morse stated, “Last year, 2023, we arrested 9 juveniles for homicide or attempted homicide. So far this year, as of today, because we just did another one today, 12.”

Dione Collins, Secretary of the Forest Oak and Windsor Place Civic Association, emphasized the importance of these discussions. “We just want a safe community, we want a community also where we have something for the youth to do. That was another concern, you know, what resources are available for our youth to keep them out of trouble, to keep them engaged,” Collins said.

In response, Chief Morse announced plans to form a youth advisory council. This council will meet regularly with him to address the needs and concerns of young people in the community.

Collins expressed satisfaction with the meeting, noting that officials provided solid answers and outlined valuable resources for youth engagement. “It gave answers to a lot of the questions that we have about our community, what’s going on in our community, and what can be done in our community to make our community better,” she said.

The initiative continues to foster dialogue between the community and law enforcement, aiming to create a safer environment and provide positive opportunities for the city's youth.