Study looking at BRPD-EBRSO merger says move would be feasible and would save taxpayer money [Video]

BATON ROUGE — A report prepared for a coalition of 450 individuals, businesses and non-profit groups suggested Wednesday that the region could see improved public safety programs if it merged the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office with the Baton Rouge Police Department.

Safe BR hired 21CP Solutions to prepare the document, which also touted the potential for cost savings, increased accountability and greater trust. The entire study can be seen here.

The group said it hopes to reduce the Baton Rouge homicide rate by 50 percent over the next 10 years. It noted Baton Rouge has had more than 30 homicides per 100,000 residents over the past seven years, and that only four large cities have consistently had a rate that high: Baltimore, Detroit, New Orleans and St. Louis.

The report’s authors also decried the expense of increased homicides: $301 million in direct costs to state and local governments, $12 million …