Central Explores Hybrid Policing Model as Mayor Evans Addresses Audit Claims

Central Mayor Wade Evans says the city is moving toward a hybrid police model that blends Central Police with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. He believes this approach improves response times, reduces long-term costs, and avoids the financial strain many municipalities face with fully staffed police departments. Existing sheriff substations in Central and Pride already support the structure, so Evans expects minimal disruption. A full standalone police department would cost nearly $6.8 million annually, while the hybrid model falls closer to $4.3–$4.8 million, plus a sheriff’s contract. The city council—not voters—would approve the agreement under the Larson Act, which requires only “adequate and sufficient” law enforcement. Evans also pushed back on claims from Councilwoman Dan Wells, who posted on Facebook that the city misused ARPA funds. He says the post was false, noting the city received a clean audit and only needed to update a grant policy after federal reporting requirements changed on a DOT road project. He called the claims political, not factual. Evans says the city will keep refining the policing plan and work with the sheriff’s office to finalize details.