BATON ROUGE, LA – In an effort to reduce confusion for residents and emergency dispatchers, Baton Rouge police issued their annual Independence Day reminder asking the city’s criminal community to refrain from exchanging gunfire during active fireworks displays.
Officials explained that while they appreciate everyone’s enthusiasm for loud explosions, they are asking those planning to settle personal disputes to simply wait for a brief lull in the fireworks before resuming normal holiday activities.
“We’re not asking anyone to cancel their evening plans,” a department spokesperson said. “We’re just requesting a little consideration. If everyone could wait five or ten seconds between fireworks finales before opening fire, it would really help us determine what’s actually happening.”
The department also encouraged participants to avoid shooting during grand finales, explaining that dispatchers have enough trouble distinguishing Roman candles from other rapid-fire noises without additional assistance.
Residents largely welcomed the request, saying the annual guessing game of “fireworks or gunshots” has become one of Baton Rouge’s more recognizable Fourth of July traditions.
Police said they remain optimistic the city’s criminal element will once again demonstrate the same level of cooperation it has shown in absolutely no previous year.
