Shreveport’s Police Department Set for Relocation
In a significant step towards improving the working conditions for law enforcement in Shreveport, Louisiana, city officials have identified five potential locations for the relocation of employees from the Shreveport Police Department (SPD). This plan comes on the heels of an extensive search led by Mayor Tom Arceneaux and his team, who toured more than a dozen possible sites throughout the city.
Where Will the Officers Go?
The mayor’s office has proposed three main sites for relocating the Patrol Division employees. According to the latest plans, about half of the Patrol Division will find a new home at a CVS location. Meanwhile, the remaining officers will split evenly between two other sites, although specific details on these locations have yet to be disclosed.
The Investigations Division will likely move into a section of a building situated at 2301 Kings Hwy. at Mansfield Road, which is owned by the Biomedical Research Foundation. The Support and Administration divisions, on the other hand, are recommended to settle in part of an office complex located at 1120 S Pointe Pkwy.
Why the Move?
Mayor Arceneaux underscores the urgency of these relocations, stating, “Our staff personally toured more than a dozen potential locations throughout the city and has identified locations where we can relocate SPD’s employees with a minimum of remodeling.” This approach aims to provide the police employees with a better working environment as swiftly as possible.
Timetable for the Relocation
As negotiations for lease agreements are already underway, officials anticipate that the Patrol Division will be the first to relocate. The lease for these sites is expected to last around 12-15 months. This temporary solution is put in place until the three new substations, aimed at better serving the community, can be constructed.
The lease duration for the Investigations Division and other administrative teams will be slightly longer, extending approximately three years. This is due to the fact that these divisions will need a stable location until the new police headquarters, which is currently in the design phase, is built. Construction on this new facility is projected to begin in the latter half of 2025, with a hopeful completion by 2028.
Costs and Other Considerations
While the exact costs associated with these relocations remain unclear, Mayor Arceneaux has indicated that a substantial portion of the expense will be offset by the savings accrued from discontinuing maintenance and utility costs related to the current headquarters on Texas Avenue.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite the positive strides being made, there are a few bumps in the road. The city council seems to have differing opinions regarding the location of one of the new substations. As a result, the bidding process for the substation on N Market has currently been paused, leaving many wondering when this crucial part of the city’s safety infrastructure will move forward.
The mayor noted that the timeline for moving each department will ultimately hinge on swiftly negotiating leases, planning interior layouts, and the installation of phone and internet capabilities. He expressed hope that both the Patrol and Investigations Divisions would complete their moves by the end of the year, making significant strides towards enhancing the working conditions for Shreveport’s police officers.
As Shreveport continues to grow and evolve, it’s clear that city officials are dedicated to ensuring that law enforcement has the resources and a conducive environment needed to serve the community effectively.
