Shreveport Police Department Prepares for Big Relocation Amid Renovations
Shreveport, La. – Exciting changes are in the works for the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) as they prepare to temporarily relocate their staff due to long-overdue renovations at their Texas Avenue headquarters. During a recent public safety committee meeting, Police Chief Wayne Smith shared some positive news with the Shreveport City Council—a plan to move roughly three-fourths of the SPD workforce to temporary locations before the end of this year.
Update on the Relocation Process
In an enthusiastic update, Chief Smith mentioned to KTBS that he’s optimistic about the next steps for the department. “I think three-fourths of the workers will be moved before the end of the year,” he stated. The first groups likely to pack their bags and head to new spaces are the investigations unit and the traffic division. This move comes after years of building issues, such as mildew, water leaks, and air conditioning failures, which prompted the city council to declare a state of emergency.
New Temporary Locations Revealed
On the bright side, the city has revealed a total of eight locations across Shreveport that are set to house SPD workers during the renovation period. Some of these sites include:
- 1120 Southpointe Parkway (a new headquarters location)
- Sunset Acres Elementary School
- An abandoned CVS on Mansfield Road and Bert Kouns
- The City Marshals Office
The city has been actively searching for adequate spaces to accommodate the SPD, and this list reflects their commitment to making this transition as smooth as possible.
Cost and Timeline Considerations
The city’s Chief Administrative Officer, Tom Dark, addressed some financial concerns during the meeting, indicating that the cost of leasing these temporary spaces is expected to be around $600,000 for the first year. While that may seem like a hefty price, city officials believe that these updates and temporary homes will ultimately enhance the service and conditions for wildlife officers.
As for the return back to normal? Well, Ragle mentioned that there’s a well-thought-out plan to bring everyone back into the renovated headquarters, aiming for a completion date around 2027. That’s a bit of a wait, but with the extensive renovations needed on the inside of the building, it sounds like the wait will be well worth it.
What’s Next for SPD?
Smith took a personal commitment in evaluating different sites, touring over two dozen locations to ensure that SPD officers have safe temporary homes. While they are moving at a considerate pace, Smith did acknowledge that the expedited timeline has brought about some challenges. The city still needs to finalize lease contracts for the temporary spaces and renovating these sites will take some effort, but every step is a move toward a better future for the SPD.
Conclusion
As Shreveport evolves, so does its commitment to public safety. The renovation project at the SPD headquarters represents not just a physical transformation but an investment in ensuring that its officers have the tools, space, and safety necessary to serve the community effectively. Stay tuned for more updates as these changes unfold, and let’s cheer on the SPD as they prepare for this major transition!
