Shreveport Mayor Addresses Police Department Headquarters Concerns
In a recent press release, Mayor Tom Arceneaux of Shreveport, Louisiana, took the time to address concerns regarding the Shreveport Police Department’s headquarters building. This comes on the heels of the city council’s request for an emergency declaration concerning the building, which the mayor did not approve last week. Many residents are understandably worried about the state of the police headquarters and what this means for safety and police operations in the city.
Who’s in Charge Here?
In his response on Friday, September 20, Mayor Arceneaux emphasized that it’s no easy feat to find a new location for the police department, which consists of over 400 officers. “We need to properly allocate funds and find a suitable space,” he stated, acknowledging the enormity of the task at hand. Currently, the police department occupies approximately 100,000 square feet within the existing building, making a quick move highly challenging and costly.
The Building’s Condition
The mayor did not shy away from discussing the poor condition of the current police headquarters. “We are aware of this. We are aware of the conditions of the building, and it is poor,” he stated, adding that moving such a large number of officers in a short time frame isn’t realistic. “It’s also very expensive,” he noted, putting things into perspective for concerned citizens.
Addressing the Timeline
Although there’s no set timeline for relocating the officers, Mayor Arceneaux reassured the community that a solution is in the works. “What we are trying to do is to move it in stages and to move it along,” he explained, indicating that multiple options are under consideration. While the mayor refrained from disclosing specific details about potential new locations—citing that it could drive costs up—he assured residents that efforts are actively underway.
Funding Issues
It’s worth noting that a $27 million bond was approved in 2021 to help cover expenses related to a new police headquarters. However, the city is still on the hunt for nearly $10 million in additional funds to see the project through. The completion of the new headquarters is estimated to take place between 2027 and 2028. The mayor made it clear that finding money for the new headquarters is just one piece of the puzzle, as they also need funding for three substations included in the bond.
Looking Ahead
As if that weren’t enough, Mayor Arceneaux also shared that the city has already submitted bids to temporarily relocate portions of the police department. They aim to move the Patrol and Traffic divisions by the end of this year, which could alleviate some of the issues facing the current headquarters in the short term.
A Unified Effort
While the challenges ahead may seem daunting, Mayor Arceneaux’s communication has provided some reassurance to Shreveport’s residents. The ongoing search for a new home for the local police department shows that the city is committed to maintaining public safety and service quality. As details unfold, there is hope that a well-planned and funded solution can be found for the police department’s needs in Shreveport.
As the community continues to watch and wait, it remains crucial for everyone to stay informed and actively participate in discussions about the future of public safety in their beloved city.
