Shreveport Police Prepare for Big Move During Renovations
Shreveport, La. – Exciting changes are on the horizon for the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) as plans to renovate their longtime headquarters on Texas Avenue gain momentum. During a recent public safety committee meeting, Police Chief Wayne Smith shared some encouraging news about the upcoming relocation of SPD workers to temporary sites across the city.
Big Changes Coming Soon
Chief Smith expressed confidence that by the end of the year, around three-fourths of the department’s personnel would be transitioned into new, temporary locations. This is a big relief considering the serious conditions at the current headquarters, which have included mildew, water leaks, and air conditioning problems.
“I think we are making good progress,” Smith told the committee members, adding that they have identified the investigations unit and the traffic division as the first groups likely to make the move.
New Temporary Homes for Officers
On Friday, the city announced a list of five sites that will serve as temporary headquarters, but that number has since grown. During Tuesday’s meeting, at least eight locations were mentioned, including:
- 1120 Southpointe Parkway (the new base for SPD)
- Sunset Acres Elementary School
- An abandoned CVS on Mansfield Road
- Bert Kouns
- The City Marshals Office
This variety of locations is aimed at ensuring that the SPD can continue to operate efficiently despite the challenges presented by the renovations.
Cost and Timeline Challenges
As with any major project, there are costs involved. Chief Administrative Officer Tom Dark indicated that leasing these temporary spaces could set the city back around $600,000 for the first year. Ongoing negotiations are essential, as the city still needs to finalize lease contracts for the various sites and make some necessary renovations to prepare the spaces for police operations.
Smith faced challenges while searching for suitable sites, touring over two dozen locations to find the right fit. Although the situation is complicated, he remains hopeful about the forthcoming moves.
Long-Term Vision for the Headquarters
It’s worth noting that the SPD headquarters on Texas Avenue will not be demolished. Instead, there will be extensive renovations done inside the building, along with some minor upgrades to the facade. The goal is to have all workers moved back into their renovated headquarters by 2027.
This entire endeavor stems from the city council’s recent declaration of a state of emergency, underscoring the urgency behind relocating the SPD workers, who have been dealing with the building’s declining condition for years. Outdated facilities shouldn’t get in the way of providing the best possible service to the community.
A Positive Outlook
While there’s a lot of work ahead, the atmosphere feels optimistic within the Shreveport Police Department. Once the temporary moves are made and renovations take place, both the SPD personnel and the community can look forward to improved working conditions and better services in the long run.
For now, it’s all hands on deck as the city gears up for a future where Shreveport’s finest can serve the community with the respect and efficiency they truly deserve!
