Shreveport’s Public Safety Committee Discusses Future of Police Headquarters
The Shreveport Public Safety Committee convened this week, bringing together city officials to discuss significant updates on the long-awaited new police headquarters and substations. Exciting, right? But it seems that not everything is going according to plan, especially with the North Market Street substation. A twist in the tale has raised some eyebrows among committee members, and it’s all because of a previously overlooked deed requirement.
The Deed Dilemma
The North Market Street substation was gifted to the city by the previous owners, but with a catch: it must remain a police station for the next 25 years. If the city ever tries to change its use, the former owners have the right to reclaim the land. This unexpected stipulation has left committee members feeling frustrated and a bit blindsided. Grayson Boucher, representing District D, voiced his concerns, stating, “We can’t sell the property, we can’t use it for water and sewage, we can’t use it for public works, we can’t use it for property standards. I just think that that’s poor business.” His sentiment resonated with other committee members, who were equally perplexed as to why they weren’t made aware of the deed’s demands before construction approval.
When they questioned Mayor Tom Arceneaux about the situation, he admitted he couldn’t recall the details surrounding the deed. This lack of clarity is definitely unsettling for the committee, especially since about $230,000 of the $1.5 million allocated in bonds has already been spent on this project. Despite this financial commitment, the committee is leaning toward scrapping the project altogether to explore other options that would not be hindered by the deed restrictions.
Searching for a New Headquarters
Now, about the new police headquarters: Police Chief Wayne Smith is on the case. He stated that they are actively evaluating potential locations to relocate personnel and hopes to settle on a spot in the next couple of weeks. Chief Smith and his team are considering a variety of places including abandoned schools, colleges, and shopping centers. Schools seem to be their best bet due to availability and space.
However, the process is not as straightforward as it seems. Chief Smith pointed out two major hurdles: finding a location with enough parking for an estimated 100 patrol cars, and ensuring the lease is economically sensible. Given that construction of the new headquarters might only take about a year, they’re looking for options that won’t trap them in long-term commitments.
Collaborating for More Support
During the meeting, the committee also had a sit-down with a representative from On Scene Services, an independent traffic response team that provides support to police departments across various cities, including New Orleans. Shreveport is considering a contract with them to alleviate some of the pressure on their local force, which is facing a shortage of manpower.
In light of these challenges, Chief Smith is also discussing with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Department about potential assistance. By pooling resources and support from neighboring jurisdictions, they hope to enhance local law enforcement’s ability to serve the community more effectively.
The Road Ahead
Despite the setbacks, the committee remains optimistic. The conversations about managing resources and finding the right locations are all part of Shreveport’s larger goal of ensuring safety and service. The next steps will certainly be crucial in shaping the future of the police force in the area.
As developments continue, everyone’s eyes will be on Shreveport to see how they navigate these challenges and what the ultimate outcomes will be for the new police headquarters and substations!
