Jindal announces plans to house EBR Violent Crime Unit in State Police facility

Gov. Bobby Jindal announced plans today to house the East Baton Rouge Violent Crime Unit in the State Police building to better combat crime in the Capital Region. At a press conference, flanked by local law enforcement officials, Jindal said the move is part of his “Criminal Hot Spot Initiative,” which involves all levels of law enforcement working together to crack down on crime. Mayor Kip Holden applauded the move, along with East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux and Police Chief Walter Mondrick. “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,” Holden says. “We are serious about cleaning up our neighborhood.” Jindal also announced legislation that will be proposed in the upcoming regular session by Rep. Walt Leger III, D-New Orleans, to target human trafficking. The bill will amend the current human trafficking statutes and expand the type of actions and criminals that can be prosecuted.