Building Demolished to Make Way for Police Substation in North Shreveport
SHREVEPORT, LA — On Monday (May 13), land along North Market Street echoed with demolition sounds removing a large metal structure, which was once a bustling building. As debris began to clear, it was not the symbol of loss but manifests the future site of the North Shreveport police substation and family justice center.
A New Era for Public Safety
The new facility is envisaged to host a diversity of resources and a committed team from the Shreveport Police Department. “This will be the future home of the North Shreveport police substation. This facility will house the regiment of people, resources of great dedicated men and women of the Shreveport Police Department,” remarked Police Chief Wayne Smith. The blueprint and project vision aim to decentralize the police force and enhance community engagement, reflecting his long-held dream for the locality.
Community Engagement and Quick Response
Welcoming this development, Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor echoed the sentiment that such a step further promotes community engagement. “It gives our officers the opportunity to cut down on their response time,” Taylor indicated. Putting victims at the center, the newly proposed family justice center will establish a haven for those affected by crime. “Everything will be centralized in North Shreveport, so they won’t have to travel all over the city,” explained Taylor.
A Fruitful Collaboration
Acquisition and Planning
In 2014, the North Shreveport Business Association acquired the building and subsequently took relevant steps to donate this 2.5-acre land to the police. The association’s Debbie Martin recalled the pivotal discussion with Chief Wayne Smith a few years ago about the possibility of a separate substation. Seeing their vision come to fabricate, their excitement is palpable even today.
Going Forward: A Peek into the Future
“All of this will be part of the parking lot. This site, when it’s developed, the actual police building will sit somewhere around where you see this machine working at right now. That’s where the building will sit. And where I’m standing right now will become a parking lot,” illustrated Police Chief Smith. The completion of the substation is estimated around 2025.
A Step Forward for the Local Community
The demolition reflects a step forward for the local community as they move ahead from a long-standing structure to build a facility that will better serve their needs. The new police substation will not only provide quick response services to the community but also promote an open dialog between the police and the citizens of North Shreveport, encouraging a safer, more cohesive environment.
