Concerns for Shreveport Police Headquarters Raise Eyebrows
In the heart of Shreveport, a lively discussion is unfolding regarding the conditions of the city’s police department headquarters. During a recent city council meeting held on September 24, council members and residents voiced their worries about the state of the police building, highlighting issues such as mold and mildew that plague the workspace. Community member Sammy Mears spoke up passionately, declaring, “I will not allow the police to be working in a nasty, filthy, disgusting place.” His words echoed the sentiments of many who are advocating for immediate change.
Emergency Declaration Divides Opinions
Despite the growing outcry, Mayor Tom Arceneaux has firmly stated that he will not issue an emergency declaration for the police headquarters. In a letter published before the council meeting, he explained that such a declaration wouldn’t bring any extra resources or benefits to the officers working there. “The administration has reviewed applicable statutes,” he wrote, “and we have not identified any such resources.” His stance emphasizes that any decisions regarding relocating personnel could be made without declaring an emergency.
The Mold vs. Mildew Debate
One of the main points of contention revolves around the mayor’s claim that there isn’t any mold present in the building, referring to a report from January 21, 2022, which stated no signs of “suspect fungal growth”. Instead, he argues that the moisture issues create mildew, which he believes is less severe. Such technicalities have drawn some eye rolls from council members. In a notable moment, Councilman James Green sarcastically suggested that if mildew isn’t too harmful, maybe the mayor should keep some in his office until the police station is sorted out. The implication? That the conditions at the current headquarters might need more urgent attention.
Looking Ahead
In his letter, Mayor Arceneaux made it clear that he is aware of the situation and is looking for viable solutions. He proposed a multi-step approach that includes decentralizing the police department across various buildings and substations in the city; however, construction on these future locations has not kicked off yet. The mayor also discussed investing significant funds into repairs at the existing headquarters to make it more habitable. “We need to evaluate sites where staff can be relocated when the planned reconstruction of the headquarters building begins,” he stated, painting a picture of an evolving strategy.
A Balancing Act
Arceneaux pointed out the challenges inherent in relocating approximately 470 police personnel, which represents nearly 20% of all city employees. “Moving that many employees to temporary and permanent alternate locations is a monumental task,” he noted, stressing that while the conditions at the headquarters may be less than ideal, an emergency declaration could disrupt the ongoing operations of the police force.
A Community at a Crossroads
As the discussion continues, the citizens of Shreveport are watching closely. With health and safety on the line, many are left wondering how soon the city council and the mayor can come together to find a solution that’ll ensure a clean and safe workspace for their police officers. The mix of indignation and concern expressed at the city council meeting reflects a larger desire for accountability and improvement from local officials. Whether the mayor and council can find common ground remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the people of Shreveport are keeping a close eye on the situation, hoping for a positive change in the living conditions of those who keep the city safe.
