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Central council votes to keep hybrid policing model after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing with residents and law‑enforcement speakers, the Central City Council voted to adopt the hybrid policing model — retaining local CPD leadership while continuing partnership with the parish sheriff — with six yes votes and one abstention.
The Central City Council voted to adopt a hybrid policing model that preserves the city’s local police presence while maintaining operational ties with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Council moved on a resolution presenting three options — contract with the sheriff’s office, create a full‑time Central Police Department (CPD), or continue the hybrid model — and opened the proposals for public comment. Paul Kimble, a resident, urged fiscal caution and said the hybrid model “represents the most responsible path forward,” warning that fully independent departments for similarly sized cities often cost far more than initial estimates. Terry Summers, who has researched policing costs, said establishing a full department could entail about $10 million in recurring costs plus capital expenses.
Chief Corkran of the Central Police Department told the council he supports the hybrid approach, saying CPD officers are post‑certified and that CPD and the sheriff’s office “work well together.” Supporters told the council the sheriff’s office provides resources a small city would struggle to replicate; some public speakers cited sample budgets from other Louisiana cities to illustrate likely long‑term costs for a standalone department.
On the council floor, members favoring the hybrid option argued it offers the best balance of local leadership and access to sheriff’s resources while allowing Central to scale up if finances permit. Council Member Meyer said the hybrid arrangement delivers “the best bang for our buck” and protective coverage from both agencies. Council Member Lazero said he supported the hybrid model but abstained from the vote because of his affiliation with the sheriff’s office as a reserve deputy.
The roll call recorded six yes votes and one abstention; the motion for option C, the hybrid model, passed.
The council will implement the hybrid resolution as its chosen approach to law enforcement policy going forward; no tax increase or immediate structural change to CPD staffing was enacted during this vote.
