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Shreveport Tackles Squatter Issues with New Initiative

Community leaders and residents come together in Shreveport to discuss the new initiative targeting squatters.

News Summary

Shreveport, Louisiana, is launching a new initiative to combat the problem of squatters in vacant homes. Named ‘Operation A.S.K. B.L.U.E.’, the campaign aims to enhance community safety by empowering law enforcement to remove unauthorized occupants without waiting for property owner intervention. The initiative will focus efforts in the Highland neighborhood, which has seen a significant number of squatting-related calls, and will collaborate with various agencies to tackle related challenges such as mental health and neighborhood blight.

Shreveport Looks to Tackle Squatter Concerns with New Initiative

Shreveport, Louisiana, is taking the reins on an ongoing issue with a new initiative designed to address the growing crisis of squatters in vacant homes. With strategies in place to bolster community safety, local leaders are stepping up their game to ensure that empty houses don’t become hotspots for criminal activity.

Squatters: A Growing Challenge

Recent incidents have highlighted the urgency in tackling this matter. For instance, a fire that occurred on February 6, 2025, on Columbia Street left a house in ruins, while another fire broke out in a vacant home on Boulevard Street in the Highland neighborhood just a few months earlier on April 25, 2024. Such incidents raised alarms—not just for the immediate danger they pose but for the broader implications they have for the community and local resources, including the Shreveport Fire Department.

Introducing “Operation A.S.K. B.L.U.E.”

In response to these alarming trends, the Mayor and the Police Chief of Shreveport have launched a bold new campaign known as Operation A.S.K. B.L.U.E. This initiative stands for “Addressing Squatters Knowledgeably – Bold Legal Unified Efforts.” With a focus on addressing public safety concerns linked to illegal squatting, the operation aims to empower law enforcement to remove unauthorized occupants from these vacant properties without waiting for property owners to intervene.

Previously, many vacant homes fell into disrepair, and identifying the actual owners posed challenges, complicating police intervention. Now, the updated housing code allows officials to classify a dwelling as “uninhabitable,” granting police the ability to act based solely on external inspections. If properties lack vital components like proper walls, roofs, or running water, they can be designated as uninhabitable without owner consent—a vital shift designed to protect neighborhoods.

Focus on Highland

Operation A.S.K. B.L.U.E. will initially concentrate its efforts in the Highland neighborhood, a region that has seen a staggering number of squatting-related calls. Between January 2024 and mid-March 2024 alone, over 300 calls regarding squatting were received, with a significant 40% occurring in Highland. This initiative represents a proactive step to combat the often dangerous circumstances surrounding these vacant homes, which have been linked to increased crime rates and troubling incidents.

Community Collaboration

The Shreveport Police Department is not going it alone. They are working alongside various agencies, including code enforcement and housing organizations, to develop a comprehensive approach that also shows compassion for individuals struggling with mental health issues. By encouraging residents to report suspicious activity or suspected squatters, the community can play an integral role in maintaining safety.

Taking Action on Blight

The situation extends beyond just squatters; Shreveport is also tackling the blight that often accompanies empty storefronts and dilapidated houses. The local government has already passed several ordinances aimed at addressing these pressing issues. Furthermore, staff members are set to participate in the prestigious Bloomberg-Harvard City Leadership Initiative, seeking innovative strategies to reduce blight and improve living conditions citywide.

Changing the Game for Law Enforcement

Currently, existing Louisiana law mandates that property owners must request police action before removal of trespassers can happen. However, the new measures under Operation A.S.K. B.L.U.E. will allow for more timely enforcement against squatters, addressing what has become a growing issue for many residents concerned about safety.

In summary, Shreveport’s new initiative addresses a multifaceted issue that’s been affecting communities for some time now. By empowering law enforcement, engaging community members, and focusing on blight reduction, Shreveport is taking clear steps in the pursuit of safer neighborhoods and healthier communities for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates as this initiative rolls out across the city!