The Justice Department said Thursday it awarded East Baton Rouge Parish more than $63.5 million through its Model Cities Initiative to reduce violent crime and strengthen public safety.
The department said it chose East Baton Rouge Parish from nearly 50 cities because of its interagency partnerships and a broad safety plan that unites police, local officials, and community groups. Funding can support hiring sworn and non-sworn personnel for enforcement and prosecution, adopting new technology, purchasing or leasing equipment, enhancing forensic capabilities, and providing services to address mental health and substance use and reduce recidivism, according to the department.
The department said the area faces a persistent and worsening violent crime problem that requires sustained law enforcement investment. It cited a two-decade average homicide rate roughly three times that of large U.S. cities and, from 2021 through 2025, more than 1,300 non-fatal shootings, over 12,000 shots-fired calls, and more than 1,200 armed robberies responded to by police.
Louisiana officials welcomed the award. Governor Jeff Landry said the funding will help remove criminals from the streets. East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards called it “one of the most historic and significant public safety investments in Baton Rouge’s history.”
The Model Cities Initiative, announced in June 2026, steers almost $300 million in federal funds to comprehensive public safety plans, the department said. Jacksonville, Florida; Jackson, Mississippi; and St. Louis, Missouri, were also selected to receive federal investments supporting locally driven strategies and coordination among public safety partners. According to the department, funding goes to these agencies: Baton Rouge - East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana; City of Jackson, Mississippi; City of Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office; and City of St. Louis Police Department.
The department said it will work with each jurisdiction to finalize and carry out its public safety plan and aims to deliver measurable results through these investments. In October, the department said four cities had been selected for nearly $300 million in funding; Thursday’s announcement sets the award for East Baton Rouge Parish.