BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Drivers are urged to download a new app that warns drivers of nearby pursuits in West Baton Rouge Parish.
The West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office announced on Tuesday, March 24, that it has implemented a new public safety technology, known as Digital Siren Pursuit Alert, in its patrol vehicles to protect both deputies and residents of the parish.
“Pursuit alert is a real-time warning system that allows law enforcement vehicles to send safety alerts directly to nearby mobile devices and compatible vehicles when deputies are responding to emergencies or pursuits,” said Sheriff Jeff Bergeron.
“Simply put, this technology increases public awareness by notifying drivers and pedestrians when emergency vehicles are operating nearby, giving them the chance to slow down, move over, and avoid dangerous situations,” Bergeron added.
These alerts will be sent to devices within a 2-mile radius of deputies moving through the area while responding to emergencies or pursuits.
Alerts will also be sent when deputies respond to urgent service calls with lights engaged and when deputies are stopped on the roadway with emergency lights engaged.
Digital Siren Pursuit Alert can be downloaded by searching “Digital Siren” in the app store or by scanning this QR code:
WAFB is told the system will cost the parish $10,000 annually.
The sheriff’s office confirmed it already used the new alert system during a pursuit that started in Port Allen on Monday night, March 23.
The Town of Brusly approved its own warning system in October 2024, nearly two years after two teenage girls were killed in a crash involving a police officer during a pursuit.
In February, the neighboring Iberville Parish launched its alert system to keep drivers safe during pursuits.
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