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Shreveport Moves Forward with New Police Substation

A conceptual design of the new police substation aimed at enhancing community safety.

News Summary

The Shreveport Police Department is making significant progress towards establishing a new police substation on N Market Road, following the recent approval of two critical resolutions. This $1.5 million project aims to enhance community policing, improve response times, and provide vital support for victims of crime. The substation, designed as a 24-hour ‘safe zone,’ will also house the Family Justice Office and is set to accommodate around 70 employees. With strong community backing and plans for additional substations, Shreveport is committed to bolstering public safety.

Shreveport Gets Closer to a New Police Substation in North Market

Exciting news for the residents of Shreveport! The Shreveport Police Department is making significant strides toward setting up a new substation in the bustling north area, right on N Market Road. In a recent city council meeting held on January 14, two critical resolutions were passed, paving the way for the bidding process to officially kick off following a brief pause.

What’s All the Fuss About?

The buzz around the new police substation is well-founded, as it promises to bring a host of benefits to the community and the police department alike. One of the main perks highlighted is how this new facility will save both time and funds for the department. This strategic location will allow resources to be directly available within the community, fostering better police-community relations and quicker response times to incidents.

Financial Backing and Community Focus

This project isn’t just another line item on a budget. It involves a hefty investment of bond funds that have already been secured. Those funds will help clear the old property and prepare it for construction, ensuring everything is safe and sound before the work begins. With a budget of a whopping $1.5 million, the substation is set to accommodate around 70 employees from the human resources division, creating a comprehensive hub for police services.

The local citizenry has already given its green light to this endeavor through a previous bond election, demonstrating strong community support for enhanced public safety measures. The site for construction covers over 2.5 acres, which has already been cleared and is primed for the next steps. Local businesses will also have a chance to get involved, as bids for the construction are expected to open soon, inviting companies to take part in this exciting project.

A Safe Zone for All

This new North Market substation promises to be much more than just an office for police. Designed to serve as a 24-hour “safe zone”, it will feature vibrant lighting and advanced camera surveillance. This makes it an ideal spot for community activities like safe child exchanges or secure transactions for online sales—think Facebook Marketplace and other platforms where safety can sometimes be a concern.

A Sanctuary for Victims of Crime

Beyond everyday policing, the substation will also be home to the Family Justice Office, offering crucial support to victims of crime who need a safe place to seek assistance. This focus on victim support is particularly noteworthy, as the service model set to be implemented here is unique in Caddo Parish, specifically targeting the needs of those impacted by crime.

What’s Next for Shreveport?

While Shreveport gets ready to welcome its North Market substation, construction is already in the works at another location on Monkhouse Drive. That substation is expected to be completed first, showcasing the city’s commitment to expanding its police presence in key areas. Additionally, plans are afoot to convert the old Sunset Acres Elementary School into yet another police substation, following its closure due to underperformance.

Selecting and establishing additional substations throughout the city underlines the overarching goal of enhancing community policing efforts for Shreveport. The continuous aim is to build stronger ties between law enforcement and residents, fostering a safe and secure environment for everyone.

As developments unfold, Shreveport citizens can look forward to a more integrated police presence and improved public safety measures right in their neighborhoods, making the city an even better place to call home.