Justice Department Allocates Over $63.5 Million to East Baton Rouge Parish Under Model Cities Initiative to Tackle Violent Crime

The U.S. Department of Justice announced yesterday that East Baton Rouge Parish will receive $63,532,285 through the Model Cities Initiative (MCI), a federal program aimed at reducing violent crime and enhancing public safety in communities nationwide.

Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the administration’s commitment to crime reduction, stating, “The Model Cities Initiative reflects the Trump Administration’s commitment to reducing crime across the country and ensuring the safety of every American. These cities are setting an example of proactive law enforcement that will strengthen the rule of law and improve public safety in their jurisdictions.”

East Baton Rouge Parish was selected from nearly 50 cities for its robust interagency collaboration and a comprehensive public safety strategy that integrates law enforcement, local government, and community organizations. The parish distinguished itself with plans to expand crime-fighting and prosecution capabilities, modernize crime data and analytics, and enhance law enforcement readiness and frontline support.

The decision comes amid a persistent and worsening violent crime problem in Baton Rouge. Over the past two decades, the city’s homicide rate has averaged approximately three times that of other large U.S. cities. Between 2021 and 2025, local police responded to more than 1,300 non-fatal shootings, over 12,000 shots-fired calls, and upwards of 1,200 armed robberies.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry commented on the award, saying, “When I was elected as Governor, I promised to put an end to the crime plaguing cities like Baton Rouge. With the help of the Trump Administration, AG Blanche, and our incredible law enforcement officials, we are making good on that promise. Today’s announcement will help us take more criminals off our streets and put them where they belong: behind bars.”

Senator Bill Cassidy also praised the initiative, noting, “Anytime a city receives tens of millions to make it a safer, better place to be, that is fantastic news. I look forward to this money helping Baton Rouge but also serving as a model to other communities as well.” He commended local leaders for their successful application.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill highlighted the partnership between state and federal authorities, stating, “President Trump and the Department of Justice have proven their commitment to Louisiana and the people of this country. Together, Louisiana and our federal partners are fighting back against violent crime and ensuring that our men and women in blue have the support and resources they need to be successful.”

East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards described the grant as “one of the most historic and significant public safety investments in Baton Rouge’s history,” expressing the intent to leverage the three-year funding into a long-term transformation for the city.

The Model Cities Initiative adopts a whole-of-city approach, uniting law enforcement agencies, local officials, and community stakeholders to craft tailored public safety strategies. The four selected jurisdictions—East Baton Rouge Parish, Jacksonville (Florida), Jackson (Mississippi), and St. Louis (Missouri)—submitted applications demonstrating innovative and forward-thinking approaches to combating violent crime.

Despite differing local challenges and priorities, all four jurisdictions share a commitment to reducing violent crime and improving community safety. The Department of Justice will collaborate with each city to finalize and implement their public safety plans.

Funding will support a variety of priorities, including hiring sworn and non-sworn law enforcement personnel, enhancing enforcement and prosecution efforts, adopting advanced technology, upgrading forensic capabilities, and providing services addressing mental health, substance use, and recidivism reduction.

Launched in June 2026, the Model Cities Initiative builds on early successes in cities such as Memphis, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C. The program directs nearly $300 million in federal resources toward comprehensive public safety strategies that strengthen law enforcement, improve coordination among public safety partners, and address underlying factors contributing to crime.

Through these investments, the Department of Justice aims to implement sustainable public safety solutions and deliver measurable results, rejecting the status quo of unchecked crime and disorder.

The initiative’s broader impact is expected to extend beyond the four selected cities, serving as a model for other communities seeking to enhance public safety through coordinated, data-driven approaches.

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