POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New Baton Rouge Force Policy Requires De-Escalation, Verbal Warnings

While BRPD Chief Carl Dabadie Jr. said the department already trains officers in the practices announced by the administration, he agreed that writing them into policy was necessary to ensure that officers who do not follow them can be punished.

February 6, 2017
New Baton Rouge Force Policy Requires De-Escalation, Verbal Warnings

 

Ad Loading...

Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome has announced the reworking of the Baton Rouge Police Department's policy guiding how officers can use force while on the job.

The changes, which became effective immediately on Thursday, are:

  • Officers must give verbal warnings before using deadly force unless there are extenuating circumstances.

  • Officers cannot use force before trying to de-escalate situations when possible. The outlined strategies include disengagement, area containment, waiting on subjects, summoning reinforcements and calling in specialized units.

  • Police cannot use chokeholds unless they are in an emergency and do not have other weapons available.

  • Police cannot shoot at moving vehicles unless the people inside of them pose immediate deadly threats.

  • Officers are now required to intervene to stop their colleagues from using excessive force. They are also required to report when they see another officer use excessive force.

While BRPD Chief Carl Dabadie Jr. said the department already trains officers in the practices announced by the administration, he agreed that writing them into policy was necessary to ensure that officers who do not follow them can be punished, the Advocate reports.

Broome's pledge to implement new policies at BRPD was partially spurred by the shooting of Alton Sterling in July by a BRPD officer, an incident that sparked protests and rioting in the city. While Baton Rouge was experiencing the unrest, a gunman killed three officers and wounded three others. He was killed by police during the attack.

Ad Loading...

More Procedures & Policies

patrolfinder - reducing crime thumbnail
SponsoredOctober 27, 2025

How One Police Department Cut Crime by 46% with Smarter Patrol Management

Discover how one police department cut crime nearly in half using smarter patrol data. This whitepaper breaks down the real-world strategy behind a 46% drop in vehicle thefts, improved officer safety, and stronger community visibility.

Read More →
Safariland header photo
Sponsoredby David ReederOctober 22, 2025

Is Your Duty Holster Duty Rated?

The first – and worst – time I had to fight to keep my gun, my holster and duty belt held up far better than my training did.

Read More →
Two police officers in tactical vests, demonstrating emerging law enforcement technology
SponsoredSeptember 1, 2025

Ebook: How Data-Driven Policing Strengthens Transparency and Public Trust

Whether your department is focused on improving transparency or rebuilding community confidence, this ebook offers real examples and practical strategies to help. Learn how data-driven insights and modern fleet technologies can strengthen accountability, support officer safety, and enhance public trust.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Procedures & PoliciesApril 29, 2025

Trump Issues Executive Order He Says Will Help Police Fight Crime

“My Administration is steadfastly committed to empowering State and local law enforcement to firmly police dangerous criminal behavior and protect innocent citizens,” Trump said.

Read More →
PatrolJanuary 15, 2025

NYPD Restricts Vehicle Pursuits to Suspects Wanted for Serious Crimes

The revamped policy, which takes effect Feb. 1, bars police from pursuing suspects for traffic infractions, violations or non-violent misdemeanors, police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

Read More →
PatrolFebruary 5, 2024

NYPD Going “Old School” with Uniform, Facial Hair Policy

“It’s absolutely ludicrous that you have an officer with pink hair and nails longer than their fingers,” one Manhattan officer said. “We’re a police department not a hip hop department. Let’s go back to being police officers.”

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Procedures & PoliciesJanuary 26, 2024

AZ POST Considers Revision to Marijuana Rules for Recruits

“My recommendation for your consideration is we go for a six-month window,” said Matt Giordano, executive director. “We would go to six months of the last use.

Read More →
Point of Lawby Kevin R. MadisonJanuary 24, 2024

Time to Change Our Pursuit Policies

Complicated guidelines that require officers to make decisions during the heat of the moment are not working.

Read More →
Point of LawJanuary 17, 2024

Baltimore Police Complying with Key Consent Decree Requirements, DOJ Says

If the court grants the motion, BPD must maintain compliance with the provisions for one year before the court can terminate these sections of the consent decree.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Point of LawJanuary 17, 2024

Study Finds Consent Decrees Onerous, Ineffective, and Often Harmful

The report concludes: “When a consent decree is truly warranted, it must focus on the most urgent concerns. The violations should be clearly identified and fully supported by rigorous evidence."

Read More →