What's up with that?
[Why a police department and a sheriff's office?]
Thursday, December 1, 2005
We spoke with Fred Raiford from the sheriff's office and Sgt. Don Kelly from BRPD. They tell us that Baton Rouge is not unique in having both a sheriff's office and police departments. Metro Las Vegas, Metro Nashville and Miami-Dade are among the few who have successfully consolidated. In baton rouge, each department has its own jurisdiction. Each can ticket you for speeding.
It is a complicated and highly politicized issue, which is why we think it strange baton rouge has not tried to yet. Here's a breakdown:
Sheriff's Office:
An elected official, Sheriff Elmer Litchfield has jurisdiction over all of East Baton Rouge Parish. Created in Article V, Section 27 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, it enforces state laws within the parish and operates the Parish Prison in Scotlandville.
Police Department:
BRPD reports directly to the mayor's office and is responsible for the enforcement of city ordinances and state laws within the 76 square miles of Baton Rouge's city limits. Separate police departments, such as Baker PD, Central PD and LSU PD, patrol the incorporated cities and campuses within the parish.
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