What Would the National Guard's Role Be in Baton Rouge?

Metro Councilwoman Jenn Racca joins the show to discuss the city-parish’s efforts to reduce spending and improve public safety. She emphasized that the Metro Council is actively seeking cost-saving measures to avoid increasing the tax burden on residents. A recent example is the new retiree health care plan, which is expected to save the city $16.3 million this year. Racca noted that 11 council members strongly supported the initiative, reflecting a shared commitment to fiscal responsibility.The conversation then shifted to the controversial deployment of 1,000 National Guard troops to Louisiana, including Baton Rouge. Racca voiced full support for the move, citing a severe shortage of police officers—over 100 vacancies in BRPD—and rising crime in her district. She shared examples of shootings, thefts, and property crimes, stressing that many neighborhoods lack the resources to hire off-duty officers for protection.While acknowledging that the National Guard lacks arrest powers, Racca argued their presence could still deter crime and allow BRPD officers to focus on enforcement. She emphasized that the plan is still in early stages and that no final decisions have been made. Critics, she said, are reacting emotionally without knowing the full details.Racca also addressed concerns that opposition to the plan may be racially motivated, pointing out that crime hot spots span diverse areas and that many vocal opponents live in well-protected, low-crime neighborhoods. She called for fact-based discussions rooted in crime data rather than assumptions or political narratives.Ultimately, Racca urged open dialogue and flexibility, suggesting that if some neighborhoods reject National Guard presence, others—like those in her District 12—would welcome the support. She concluded by thanking Governor Landry for initiating the request and reaffirmed her commitment to addressing public safety needs with practical solutions.