--- title: "East Baton Rouge Violent Crimes Unit" type: "pdf" year: "2011" canonical: "/projects/741" --- # EAST BATON ROUGE VIOLENT CRIMES UNIT # Table of Contents - [EAST BATON ROUGE VIOLENT CRIMES UNIT](#east-baton-rouge-violent-crimes-unit) - [Submission for the 2011 Herman Goldstein Award for](#submission-for-the-2011-herman-goldstein-award-for) - [Excellence in Problem-Oriented Policing](#excellence-in-problem-oriented-policing) - [Summary](#summary) - [A Blueprint for Success](#a-blueprint-for-success) - [Description](#description) - [Scanning](#scanning) - [Analysis](#analysis) - [Response](#response) - [Mission Statement](#mission-statement) - [Goals, Objectives, and Strategies](#goals-objectives-and-strategies) - [Goal I.](#goal-i) - [Objective I. 1](#objective-i-1) - [Strategies](#strategies) - [Objective I. 2](#objective-i-2) - [Strategies](#strategies) - [Objective I. 3](#objective-i-3) - [Strategies](#strategies) - [Goal II.](#goal-ii) - [Objective II. 1](#objective-ii-1) - [Strategies](#strategies) - [Objective II. 2](#objective-ii-2) - [Strategies](#strategies) - [Assessment](#assessment) - [Agency and Officer Information](#agency-and-officer-information) - [MISSION STATEMENT](#mission-statement) - [Appendices](#appendices) - [Appendix 1](#appendix-1) - [Appendix 2](#appendix-2) - [Appendix 3](#appendix-3) - [Appendix 4](#appendix-4) - [Appendix 5](#appendix-5) - [**Appendix 6**](#appendix-6) - [Appendix 7](#appendix-7) - [Governor Jindal Announces Criminal Hot Spot Initiative To Crack Down on Crime \& Additional Penalties for Human Trafficking](#governor-jindal-announces-criminal-hot-spot-initiative-to-crack-down-on-crime-additional-penalties-for-human-trafficking) - [Criminal Hot Spot Initiative](#criminal-hot-spot-initiative) - [EAST BATON ROUGE VIOLENT CRIMES UNIT](#east-baton-rouge-violent-crimes-unit) - [Cracking Down on Human Trafficking](#cracking-down-on-human-trafficking) - [Appendix 8](#appendix-8) - [EAST BATON ROUGE VIOLENT CRIMES UNIT](#east-baton-rouge-violent-crimes-unit) - [SYNOPSIS:](#synopsis) ## Submission for the 2011 Herman Goldstein Award for ## Excellence in Problem-Oriented Policing Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent, Office of State Police Alfred C. Mondrick, Chief of Police, City of Baton Rouge, Louisiana Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff, Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana Honorable Hillar C. Moore, III, District Attorney for the 19th Judicial District of Louisiana Milton Bonaventure, Resident Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Field Office Sid Newman, Executive Director, Crime Stoppers of Baton Rouge, Inc. ![img-0.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-20/img-0.jpeg) # TABLE OF CONTENTS Summary ..... 3 Program Description ..... $4-13$ Scanning ..... $4-5$ Analysis ..... $5-6$ Response ..... $6-12$ Assessment ..... $12-13$ Agency and Officer Information ..... 14 Mission Statement ..... 15 List of Appendices ..... 16 Appendices 1-8 ..... $17-28$ # Summary The East Baton Rouge Violent Crimes Unit (EBR-VCU) is a collaborative effort between the Louisiana State Police, Baton Rouge Police Department, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, District Attorney for the $19^{\text {th }}$ Judicial District of Louisiana, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms \& Explosives, and Crime Stoppers of Baton Rouge, Inc. to successfully investigate, apprehend, and prosecute violent crime offenders, particularly those committing homicides, in the City of Baton Rouge and the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The goal of the EBR-VCU is to pool resources and information and work collaboratively on a united front to effectively combat violent crime in the Baton Rouge area and increase case clearance rates. The EBR-VCU accomplishes this goal through open communication and rapid dissemination of information between the partnering agencies, factors which are crucial for investigative success. Co-location of investigators at Louisiana State Police Headquarters in Baton Rouge enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of communication and information sharing. The creation of a long-term violent crimes unit comprised of partnering agencies has brought about significant structural changes for the agencies involved, and most importantly, a significant change in the manner in which violent criminals are pursued by law enforcement in the Baton Rouge area. ## A Blueprint for Success In April 2010, federal, state, and local law enforcement in the Baton Rouge area formed a task force to work collaboratively in joint investigations of several murders in the Parish of East Baton Rouge. Investigators from the Baton Rouge Police Department, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana State Police, District Attorney for the 19th Judicial District, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms \& Explosives, and Crime Stoppers were successful in linking together several homicides and violent crimes in the Baton Rouge area. The investigations resulted in the arrest of 19 individuals on state charges and 7 individuals on federal charges, one of which was nationally acclaimed rap artist Torrence "Lil Boosie" Hatch. Hatch was subsequently indicted in June 2010 in a suspected murder-for-hire scheme in October 2009. He and others may also be involved in at least five other murders in the area since 2009. # Description ## Scanning In 2009, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported in Crime in the U.S. that there were 75 homicides committed in the City of Baton Rouge and 11 homicides were committed in unincorporated areas of East Baton Rouge Parish. The city was ranked $5^{\text {th }}$ in the nation per capita for murders ( 33.6 murders per 100,000 inhabitants). The average murder rate for Group II cities $(100,000$ to 249,000$)$ was 6.6 murders per 100,000 inhabitants (Appendix 1). The murder rate in the City of Baton Rouge was 5.1 times the average murder rate for cities of comparable size and 5.7 times the national average in 2009. Preliminary statistics reported by the FBI for 2010 indicated 69 homicides in the city and 9 homicides in unincorporated areas of the parish. The city was once again ranked $5^{\text {th }}$ in the nation per capita for murders ( 30.1 murders per 100,000 inhabitants). In addition to one of the highest murder rates in the country, Baton Rouge citizens are faced with high instances of violent crime, including forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. In 2009, the FBI reported the violent crime rate in Baton Rouge was 1,264.9 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants (Appendix 1), which is 2.2 times the average violent crime rate for cities of comparable size and 2.4 times the national average. The growing homicide and violent crime problem in the Baton Rouge area was widely recognized by federal, state, and local law enforcement, state and local government, and the media. Most importantly, citizens in the Baton Rouge area feared for their safety and the safety of their families, as well as, the diminished quality of life in the area. The keys to success in the Hatch investigation led law enforcement in the Baton Rouge area to realize the need for a drastic change in law enforcement tactics and response: 1. Co-location of investigators - Enhanced information sharing and rapid dissemination of information 2. Pooling of resources from all agencies involved - BRPD and EBRSO Firearms Examiners and Forensic Scientists permanently assigned to the LSP Crime Lab - LSP Fusion Center - Access to all agencies' case reports, court documents, etc. - Assistant District Attorney assigned to the task force for ease of warrant preparation 3. Centralized clearing house for intelligence, tips, and interviews # Analysis Each federal, state, and local law enforcement agency in the Metropolitan Baton Rouge area has its own methods of analyzing crime problems. Specifically, the Baton Rouge Police Department, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms \& Explosives utilize crime mapping, graphs, community interaction, and statistics to develop and deploy crime planning solutions for their respective agencies (Appendices 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). The statistical data revealed the incidents of homicide and other violent crime in the Baton Rouge area were increasing yearly. The data revealed the majority of homicides and other violent crimes were committed in North Baton Rouge and the Gardere area, both of which are economically lower class areas. Intelligence data also indicated the increase in homicides and other violent crimes was due to a high number of repeat violent offenders and the formation of loosely formed criminal gangs. The statistical information has been disseminated to law enforcement personnel for deployment of proactive enforcement strategies. The Baton Rouge Police Department and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office have incorporated community-oriented policing strategies in these neighborhoods in the past. Both agencies have districts or substations established in the neighborhoods to provide greater service to the public. Both agencies have also used statistical data to effectively allocate manpower to those districts by day of week and time of day. Intelligence Analysts at the Louisiana State Police Fusion Center regularly provide bulletins, reports, and "hot sheets" to federal, state, and local law enforcement in the Baton Rouge area in an effort to efficiently disseminate information. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms \& Explosives has also provided statistical and intelligence information to state and local law enforcement in the Baton Rouge area by pinpointing the location of all gun crimes. The information is disseminated to each agencies' Patrol, Detectives, Narcotics, and Intelligence Divisions . Through collaboration with community, business, and religious leaders and academia, law enforcement in Baton Rouge has identified several factors related to the rise in violent crime problem in the area: - Low and Low/Middle Economic Class - Single-parent households - Unemployment - Truancy - Gang activity - Recidivism # Response Because of the success of the Hatch investigations and positive responses from the citizens of the Baton Rouge area, agency heads began to formulate a plan for a long-term solution to combating the area's murder rate and incidents of violent crime. On October 29, 2010, East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Melvin "Kip" Holden, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux, BRPD Chief of Police Jeff LeDuff (ret.), State Police Superintendent Colonel Michael Edmonson, District Attorney Hillar Moore, ATF Resident Agent- in-Charge Milton Bonaventure, and Crime Stoppers Executive Director Sid Newman finalized their vision for an unprecedented, long-term partnership among law enforcement agencies: - Establish the East Baton Rouge Violent Crimes Unit (EBR-VCU) - "Unit" chosen over "Task Force" because of the long-term nature of the endeavor - Focused on all violent crimes in East Baton Rouge Parish - Co-locate investigators from the six agencies at Louisiana State Police Headquarters in Baton Rouge - Equitable sharing of funding for the project between the agencies for upgrades to: - Squad Room - Perimeter Offices - Interview Rooms - Building Security - Allocation of Personnel: - LSP 18 (CID Region 1-Baton Rouge Field Office and one Intelligence Analyst) - BRPD 31 (Homicide and Major Assaults Divisions) - EBRSO 12 (Homicide Division) - ATF 8 (Metro Gun Task Force) - District Attorney 3 (One Assistant District Attorney and two Investigators) - Crime Stoppers 2 In the ensuing four months, project managers planned and coordinated moving 56 members of the EBRVCU into Louisiana State Police Headquarters. On January 26, 2011 the EBR-VCU became operational as a full-time unit. On the same day, Governor Bobby Jindal declared the Baton Rouge area the focus of his "Criminal Hot Spot Initiative" (Appendix 7). The initiative called for federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as, the community to work together to fight escalating crime in local areas. Governor Jindal authorized the use of increased resources from the State Police Crime Lab and Fusion Center, including: - Providing real-time forensic results from the Crime Lab for high priority EBR-VCU cases - Developing procedures for accepting EBR-VCU evidence more quickly into the Crime Lab - Addition of an ATC Ballistics Examiner position co-located at the Crime Lab - Installation of the newest technology from the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) by the ATF at no cost to the State of Louisiana - Access for EBR-VCU Investigators to the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) through the Fusion Center - Full-time analytical support from the Fusion Center Governor Jindal stated there was not only a need but a demand from the community for the type of law enforcement approach developed by the EBR-VCU. The Governor and other law enforcement agency heads in the Baton Rouge area stressed the importance of communication among agencies, pooling of resources, sharing of knowledge, and the rapid dissemination of information necessary for successful investigation of crimes, and the apprehension and prosecution of those responsible. # Mission Statement The mission of the East Baton Rouge Violent Crimes Unit (EBR-VCU) is to protect life, ensure safety, and quickly bring to justice offenders who inflict violence within the city of Baton Rouge and parish of East Baton Rouge. This will be accomplished through the efficient use of joint local, state, and federal assets via co-location of unit members that will facilitate open communication, collaboration, and swift dissemination of information. Our mandate is to do so with honor and integrity, while at all times conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards to maintain public confidence. # Goals, Objectives, and Strategies ## Goal I. I. Ensure a safe environment for the citizens of the City of Baton Rouge and the Parish of East Baton Rouge. ## Objective I. 1 I. 1 Reduce the number of murders by $15 \%$ by 2014. ## Strategies I.1.1 Share statistical information with each agency's Patrol Division to facilitate evidence-based, proactive patrols in high crime areas. I.1.2 Provide a deterrent to murder by increasing arrests, search warrants, case clearance rates and prosecution rates. I.1.3 Utilize the Targeting Violent Offender Program (TVOP) to reduce recidivism rates. I.1.4 Partner with civic, religious, and school groups to develop solutions to violent crime issues. ## Objective I. 2 I. 2 Reduce the number of violent crimes by $15 \%$ by 2014. ## Strategies I.2.1 Share statistical information with each agency's Patrol Division to facilitate evidence-based,, proactive patrols in high crime areas. I.2.2 Provide a deterrent to violent crime by increasing arrests, search warrants, case clearance rates and prosecution rates. I.2.3 Utilize the Targeting Violent Offender Program (TVOP) to reduce recidivism rates. I.2.4 Partner with civic, religious, and school groups to develop solutions to violent crime issues. # Objective I. 3 I. 3 Increase violent crime case clearance rates by $20 \%$ by 2014. ## Strategies I.3.1 Coordinate and collaborate with all members of the EBR-VCU and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies for resource sharing and open communication. I.3.2 Utilize HSIN for information sharing within the EBR-VCU. I.3.3 Conduct regular briefings with key leadership of the EBR-VCU. I.3.4 Coordinate with LSP Crime Lab Forensic Scientists to prioritize evidence submitted for analysis. I.3.5 Increase education and public awareness of the Crime Stoppers program by providing informational avenues to report criminal activity. ## Goal II. II. Enhance the capabilities of the EBR-VCU through the effective use of resources and the acquisition of new technology. ## Objective II. 1 II. 1 Increase funding of the EBR-VCU by $40 \%$ by 2014. ## Strategies II.1.1 Seek funding through grants from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS), the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE), et al. II.1.2 Seek funding from private sources such as foundations, civic organizations, and private citizens. II.1.3 Seek funding from the Louisiana Congressional Delegation through congressional earmarking. # Objective II. 2 II. 2 Improve the overall technological capacity of the EBR-VCU by 5\% every year for three years. ## Strategies II.2.1 Form a Technology Committee comprised of representatives from each EBR-VCU member agency to evaluate new technologies and make recommendations for the purchase of new equipment. II.2.2 Coordinate with the LSP Crime Lab to evaluate new forensic technology and make recommendations for the purchase of new equipment. II.2.3 Seek upgrades to the Shot Spotter and License Plate Reader camera systems. II.2.4 Continue to develop the EBR-VCU portal to HSIN for increased information sharing and reporting capabilities. II.2.5 Coordinate with the 19th Judicial District to facilitate electronic warrant submission, review, and approval. Each agency represented in the EBR-VCU is working both independently within its own organization and collectively as a member of the EBR-VCU. For example, each agency head conducts bi-weekly meetings with Division Commanders to discuss crime trends, enforcement activities, and crime planning solutions in their jurisdictions, including the use of crime mapping, graphs, and statistical analysis (Appendix 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). The statistical information is disseminated to law enforcement personnel for deployment of proactive enforcement strategies. In turn, information is provided from the Patrol, Intelligence, and Narcotics Divisions back to the EBR-VCU through enforcement activity briefings, "hot sheets", and arrest logs. Key leadership within the EBR-VCU also have weekly meetings to discuss significant activities, cases, and to share information. To further enhance information sharing within the unit, the EBR-VCU Case Synopsis Report was developed (Appendix 8). A Case Synopsis report is completed in the initial phase of each case by the officer(s) involved in the investigation. The report is forwarded to each member of the EBR-VCU for review via secure email. The report provides case information to all members of the EBR-VCU so any information received can be quickly disseminated to the investigating officer(s). The report has also been integrated into the EBR-VCU portal in HSIN for data collection and analysis. # Assessment A Baton Rouge newspaper, The Advocate, reported one example of the collaborative spirit of the EBR-VCU only two weeks after becoming operational. On February 12, 2011, in her article "Violent Crime Unit Wins Praise in Case", Advocate Staff Writer Kimberly Vetter reported the work of the EBR-VCU was instrumental in solving a double-homicide within 48 hours. The investigation into the slayings of Jarret Stanley and Latonya Wright involved every agency represented in the EBR-VCU, and included the assistance of the United States Marshal's Service who arrested one suspect in the Lake Charles area. Vetter also reported one key facet to the investigation was the public's assistance in providing tips to Crime Stoppers regarding the location of bodies, and the identity and location of one of the suspects. A major objective of the EBR-VCU is to increase case clearance rates by $20 \%$ over the next three years. In 2010, the homicide case clearance rate was $51.3 \%$ for the Baton Rouge Police Department and $77.8 \%$ for the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office. According to Baton Rouge Police Department and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office statistics, as of April 14, 2011, there have been 19 homicides committed in the City of Baton Rouge and 8 homicides committed in unincorporated areas of East Baton Rouge Parish. The homicide case clearance rates are $57.8 \%$ and $87.5 \%$, respectively, during the same time period. All members of the EBR-VCU will continuously strive to deploy the strategies developed for meeting the unit's objectives and attaining the goals presented to ensure safety and security for the citizens of the City of Baton Rouge and the Parish of East Baton Rouge. Each agency head is dedicated to the personnel assigned to the EBR-VCU to provide the best resources available to combat the violent crime problem in the Baton Rouge area. Governor Jindal, Mayor-President Holden, the Louisiana Legislature, and the Baton Rouge Metro Council are committed to provide support to federal, state, and local law enforcement in this endeavor. The formation of a long-term violent crimes unit is an unprecedented venture in the United States. The success of the EBR-VCU will serve as a model program for other cities, counties, and states across the nation when formulating their plans to fight crime. # Agency and Officer Information Key Project Team Members: Captain Rudy Babin, East Baton Rouge Violent Crime Unit Commander, Baton Rouge Police Department Lieutenant Ike Vavasseur, Homicide Unit Commander, Baton Rouge Police Department Lieutenant Todd Weisher, Crime Stoppers Unit Commander, Baton Rouge, Police Department Captain Todd Morris, Homicide Unit Commander, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office Major Layne Barnum, Command Inspector, Support Services, Louisiana State Police Captain James McGuane, Director, Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory Lieutenant Paul Edmonson, Criminal Investigations Division, Louisiana State Police Lieutenant Mark Richards, Criminal Investigations Division, Louisiana State Police Lieutenant Trevor Smith, Criminal Investigations Division, Louisiana State Police Special Agent Michael Desmond, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, \& Explosives, Baton Rouge Field Office Project Contact Person: Lieutenant Mark Richards, Executive Officer Louisiana State Police, Criminal Investigations Division 7919 Independence Boulevard, Box A-2 Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Office: 225.925 .3605 Fax: 225.925.37.24 mark.richards@dps.la.gov # MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the East Baton Rouge Violent Crimes Unit (EBR-VCU) is to protect life, ensure safety, and quickly bring to justice offenders who inflict violence within the city of Baton Rouge and parish of East Baton Rouge. This will be accomplished through the efficient use of joint local, state, and federal assets via co-location of unit members that will facilitate open communication, collaboration, and swift dissemination of information. Our mandate is to do so with honor and integrity, while at all times conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards to maintain public confidence. ![img-1.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-20/img-1.jpeg) # Appendices Appendix 1 Table: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Crime in the U.S. 2009. Appendix 2 Crime Map: Baton Rouge Police Department Crime Planning Maps 4/11—4/17/11. Appendix 3 Graph: Baton Rouge Police Department Crime Planning Maps 4/11—4/17/11. Appendix 4 Chart: Baton Rouge Police Department Homicides by Quarter1999—2010. Appendix 5 Chart: Baton Rouge Police Department Violent Crimes by Month 2003—2010. Appendix 6 Crime Map: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office Homicide Map 2008-2011. Appendix 7 Press Release: "Governor Jindal Announces Criminal Hot Spot Initiative To Crack Down on Crime \& Additional Penalties for Human Trafficking", January 26, 2011. Appendix 8 EBR-VCU Case Synopsis. # Appendix 1 | | | | | | | | Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | Number of Offenses | Rate | | Number of Offenses | Rate | | Population Group | | | | | | | 999,151 | 518.4 | 11,308 | | TOTAL CITIES | | | | | | | 999,151 | 563.5 | 1,947 | | GROUP II (100,000 to 249,999) | | | | | | | 166,260 | 563.5 | 1,947 | | Baton Rouge, LA (pop. 223,187) | | | | | | | 2823 | 1,264.9 | 75 | Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Crime in the U.S. 2009. # Appendix 2 ![img-2.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-20/img-2.jpeg) # Appendix 3 ![img-3.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-20/img-3.jpeg) **Baton Rouge Police Department** Crime Planning Maps 4/11 – 4/17/11 **Zone 2C1 and Zone 2D1 Shots Fired/Shooting Calls 1/1/11 to 4/12/11** **Source:** Baton Rouge Police Department, 2011 # Appendix 4 ![img-4.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-20/img-4.jpeg) # Appendix 5 ![img-5.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-20/img-5.jpeg) # **Appendix 6** ![img-6.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-20/img-6.jpeg) # Appendix 7 State of Louisiana Office of the Governor GOVERNOR BOBBY JINDAL ![img-7.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-20/img-7.jpeg) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 26, 2011 Press Office: Melissa Sellers, Kyle Plotkin Contact: 225-342-8006, (c) 225-328-3755 ## Governor Jindal Announces Criminal Hot Spot Initiative To Crack Down on Crime \& Additional Penalties for Human Trafficking BATON ROUGE - Today, Governor Bobby Jindal, Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden, East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux, Baton Rouge Police Chief Walter Mondrick, East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore, State Police Superintendent Colonel Mike Edmonson, and several other law enforcement officials from every level of government announced the "Criminal Hot Spot Initiative," which will include housing the East Baton Rouge Violent Crime Unit in the State Police building to help officials better coordinate their efforts to crack down on crime. At the press conference the Governor also announced legislation in the upcoming regular session, which will be authored by Representative Walt Leger, to help end the brutal black market crime of human trafficking. ## Criminal Hot Spot Initiative Governor Jindal said, "When I ran for Governor in 2007, I said we would create a 'Criminal Hot Spot Initiative' focused on working across all levels of law enforcement to crack down on increased crime in localized areas. Our top priority is to keep our people safe - and achieving this goal requires all of us to work together - at the law enforcement level and the community level. "We know that to address violent crime, we must pool resources and work as a united front to effectively combat violent crime. Communication and rapid dissemination of information are absolutely crucial for investigative success. Because of the demand for rapid information sharing, the E. Baton Rouge Violent Crime Unit will now permanently locate investigators from all levels of law enforcement in the same workspace - 23,240 square feet at the Louisiana State Police headquarters on Independence Blvd." The LSP Region 1 Criminal Investigative Division, made up of eight LSP detectives and an additional 10 investigators available as needed, will directly support the efforts of the EBR-Violent Crime Unit. Law enforcement agencies from beyond State Police will also be a part of this cooperative, multi-level unit, including: - BR PD will provide 31 personnel - EBRSO will provide 12 personnel - Federal ATF will provide 8 personnel - The EBR DA's Office will provide 3 personnel - The Crime Stoppers organization will provide two personnel to help coordinate investigations. Additionally, this unit will also receive more resources from the State Crime Lab, including: - Providing more real time results on high priority crimes while the EBR-VCU investigators are still actively working the case. - Developing a "speedy check-in lane" for the EBR-VCU to use on urgent needs. - Adding a federal position from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to the lab. - ATF will also install the newest National Integrated Ballistic Information Network equipment in February. This is a $250,000 upgrade that will provide additional and increased capabilities to assist in firearms analysis at no cost to the state. - The lab will also communicate with participating members through the State Fusion Center, which will provide another level of collaboration. The Governor noted that he marked the opening of the expansion of the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab, which has proven to be a critical component in solving many of the crimes investigated by the EBR-VCU. This expansion: - Expanded the Crime Lab's DNA Unit by 23,500 square feet. - Added DNA analysts - up from 13 in 2008 to now 22 total analysts. - Aided in producing a 60% reduction in the overall crime lab backlog and an 82% reduction in the DNA backlog since 2008. The EBR Violent Crime Unit will ALSO use the fusion center's Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). - This will allow all EBR-VCU members to share information across agencies and enable faster information flow on the HSIN platform. - There is no cost to implement or use the system. It is accessible with any computer that is connected to the internet. - The center will provide analytical support to the EBR-VCU members because it will be able to take information from the EBR-VCU and merge it with additional information from around the state in one location. Louisiana State Police currently has 24 troopers assigned fulltime to taskforces across LA working to crack down on crime, including the US Marshal's Regional Fugitive Task Force, Joint Terrorism Taskforce, DEA Taskforce, HIDTA Taskforce, FBI NW La Violent Crimes Taskforce, FBI Safe Streets Taskforce, FBI Innocent Images Taskforce and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce. Mayor Melvin "Kip" Holden said, "This unit sends a clear message to the public that we will use every resource within our power to fight crime. It sends a greater message to criminals that Baton Rouge is not easy prey. We are serious about cleaning up our neighborhood." East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said, "Since taking office I have sought to bring area law enforcement to a common table in order to share information and pool resources in the best interest of the community. I think that the formation of this unit is a great step toward doing exactly that. Crime has no regard for jurisdictional boundaries, so it's imperative that we all work together for the safety of the community." Baton Rouge Police Chief Walter Mondrick said, "I believe the formation of the Violent Crimes Unit is a partnership that will pay huge dividends related to public safety. The public expects law enforcement agencies to work together and this collaboration is a major step in that direction." # EAST BATON ROUGE VIOLENT CRIMES UNIT ATF Special Agent in Charge Phillip Durham said, "Our goal is to work hand in hand with our other law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime in our communities. We will aggressively focus on removing firearms from the hands of violent offenders. ATF will provide innovative technology, analytical investigative resources, and our dedicated agents to assist in this team effort on the frontline against violent crime. We hope the citizens of Baton Rouge will join our team to make our communities safer places to live." U.S. Attorney Don Cazayoux said, "We welcome the opportunity to be a part of this joint effort to reduce violent crime in our community. We will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in this critically important mission. This initiative allows us to bring our investigative and prosecutorial resources to bear on this problem that affects us all." State Police Superintendent Colonel Mike Edmonson said, "The commitment of all the agencies participating in the East Baton Rouge Violet Crimes Unit is a positive indicator for the future of Louisiana law enforcement. By working together, our resources are shared and our knowledge is strengthened. The days of a sole agency trying to solve a major crime without any assistance are over. As new technologies emerge, we are able to share these resources as a collective law enforcement community and not as individual agencies. The end result is a better ability to address the challenges of an ever changing criminal element so that we can make Louisiana a better and safer place to live." East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore said, "I am impressed by each agency's commitment to find a way to create this unit in tough fiscal times. We have already demonstrated that by working together we can significantly impact violent crime and I look forward to prosecuting the future violent crime arrests that will result from the collaborative work of this unit." Executive Director of the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association Hal Turner said, "My years in law enforcement have taught me one simple fact - the better law enforcement officials are at sharing information - the better they are at tracking down criminals and getting them off the streets. The Governor's initiative puts this important concept into practice, and I have no doubt this community will greatly benefit from his leadership." Investigators with BRPD, East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office, Louisiana State Police (LSP), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Crime Stoppers, and the EBR District Attorney's Office worked together in an unprecedented manner toward a common goal to putting offenders behind bars and off the streets. According to a 2010 FBI national crime report, Baton Rouge ranks 5th in the country for murders per capita, with 75 murders reported in 2009 and 69 murders reported in 2010. ## Cracking Down on Human Trafficking Governor Jindal also announced legislation that will be proposed in the upcoming regular session by Representative Walt Leger to target human trafficking. The proposed bill will amend the current human trafficking statutes and expand the type of actions and criminals that can be prosecuted for this heinous crime. Governor Jindal said, "This is a crime that exists all around the world, including Louisiana, which is typically underreported and difficult to detect. Human trafficking occurs when a person is recruited, transported or kidnapped to serve an exploitative purpose involving sexual offenses. We must expand and utilize our laws to secure lengthy sentences, and send a message that the crime of human trafficking will not be tolerated in Louisiana." Currently, our human trafficking statutes criminalize the actions of the human trafficker, but they do not address a person who knowingly facilitates the crime. This legislation will equalize the punishment for the person who helps the human trafficker with the punishment for the person who is actually engaged in the human trafficking. Also, this legislation will expand the type of actions that put a criminal under the human trafficking statutes. The bill will we will also amend the "trafficking of children for sexual purposes" to include the act of "advertising" a child for commercial sexual exploitation. This will allow the prosecution of an offender under the provisions of the human trafficking statute for someone who even lists or advertises the sexual services of a minor on the internet, in chat rooms or other network websites. The Governor said, "Our best protection measure for our children is to prevent them from being violated - not just to punish the criminals that brutalize them. This new provision in the law will help law enforcement officials target the monsters that post advertisements or list children for sexual services on the internet. These criminals are using the internet to expand the reach of their crime, facilitate their criminal enterprise and sexually exploit our children. They must be stopped. "The virtual world evolves quickly and criminals use it to exploit our children any way they can. We must give law enforcement officials the tools they need to evolve along with technological advancement - so we are stopping these crimes before they even occur." Representative Walt Leger said, "While many may think human trafficking is something that happens in distant places, the truth is, its alive, right here in Louisiana. This bill will expand our current statutes and enhance the ability of our law enforcement to apprehend and prosecute these monsters who exploit our children. I applaud the governor for working with the legislature to make our communities safer and bring more awareness to this issue, and I'll work to make sure this bill becomes law." \#\#\# # Appendix 8 | EBR-VCU CASE SYNOPSIS | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | FILE: AGENCY: | DATE OCCURRED: DATE ASSIGNED: | | TIME: | | LOCATION: | | ZONE / SECTOR: | DA NOTIFIED: | | BUSINESS $\square$ RESIDENTIAL $\square$ NAME OF BUSINESS: | | | | | OFFENSE(S): | ATTEMPT: | LRS: | WEAPONS USED: | | | | | | | TOTAL # OF VICTIMS: LIST OTHERS IN THE BODY OF REPORT | | | | | VICTIM # 1: RACE: DOB: ADDRESS: PHONE: | MALE $\square$ FEMALE $\square$ AGE: | ACCUSED # 1: RACE: DOB: ADDRESS: PHONE: | MALE $\square$ FEMALE $\square$ MISC: | | VICTIM # 2: RACE: DOB: ADDRESS: PHONE: | MALE $\square$ FEMALE $\square$ AGE: | ACCUSED # 2: RACE: DOB: ADDRESS: PHONE: | MALE $\square$ FEMALE $\square$ MISC: | | VICTIM # 3: RACE: DOB: ADDRESS: PHONE: | MALE $\square$ FEMALE $\square$ AGE: | ACCUSED # 3: RACE: DOB: ADDRESS: PHONE: | MALE $\square$ FEMALE $\square$ MISC: | | IF ADDITIONAL VICTIMS OR ACCUSED PLEASE LIST IN THE BODY OF THE SYNOPSIS | | | | | INJURY: YES $\square$ NO $\square$ FATAL: YES $\square$ NO $\square$ HOSPITAL: FUNERAL HOME: DEATH NOTIFICATION MADE: YES $\square$ NO $\square$ | | CRIME SCENE TECH: PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN: YES $\square$ NO $\square$ EVIDENCE COLLECTED: YES $\square$ NO $\square$ NOTES: | | | AUTOPSY SCHEDULED: YES $\square$ NO $\square$ TIME: DET. TO ATTEND: CORONER'S INV.: DA'S INV.: NEXT OF KIN TO DECEASED:VICTIM $\square$ SUSPECT $\square$ NAME: RELATIONSHIP: ADDRESS: CITY \& STATE: PHONE: | VEMICLE USED: YES $\square$ NO $\square$ YEAR: MODEL: STATE: NOTES: | NO $\square$ MAKE: COLOR: LIC. PLATE #: | | | NEXT OF KIN TO DECEASED:VICTIM $\square$ SUSPECT $\square$ NAME: RELATIONSHIP: ADDRESS: CITY \& STATE: PHONE: | PROPERTY TYPE: DESCRIPTION: VALUE: SERIAL NUMBER: RECOVERED: YES $\square$ NO $\square$ NOTES: | | | | ARREST MADE? YES $\square$ NO $\square$ IF YES, WHICH ACCUSED? WARRANT ISSUED? YES $\square$ NO $\square$ IF YES, WHICH ACCUSED? | | | | # EAST BATON ROUGE VIOLENT CRIMES UNIT ## SYNOPSIS: | **COURT ACTION ON THIS CASE** | | | | --- | --- | --- | | **COURT DATE:** | | **PROSECUTOR:** | | **JUDGE:** | | **ACTION TAKEN:** | | **MISC:** | | | | **CASE STATUS** | | | | **STATUS:** | **STATUS DATE:** | **REVIEW DATE:** | | **CASE DETECTIVES:** | | | | **DATE OFFENSE TURNED IN:** | | |