Community Trust and Crime: A Chat with Louisiana State Police Superintendent

Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges recently dropped by the Baton Rouge Rotary Club to talk about crime and how to build trust with the community. He started by reminding everyone about the state police motto: "courtesy, loyalty, and service." This motto guides the state police in their mission to fight crime and strengthen ties with the community. Hodges believes that educating the public is key to keeping communities safe. He mentioned programs like crime prevention, traffic safety, drug awareness, and emergency preparedness. These programs help people stay informed and empowered.

Troop NOLA, a specialized division, has been a big success. Hodges hopes to bring a similar approach to the capital region. "We're making arrests every day, and crime has dropped by about 40%," he said, crediting the teamwork between law enforcement and the community. Governor Jeff Landry asked state police to look into the Department of Corrections after some reports about the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center. Hodges didn't share details about the ongoing investigation. He's optimistic about the future. "People are trusting law enforcement again," he said, adding that the "defund the police" movement seems to be fading. "Everything starts with public safety," he concluded.

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