Water Damage Sparks Urgency in Shreveport Police Station

Water Damage Sparks Urgency in Shreveport Police Station

Shreveport, La. – It seems that our city’s brave law enforcement officers are facing some troubling times. Recent inspections reveal that the Shreveport Police Station is suffering from extensive water damage, prompting a call to action from concerned city council members.

Three council members—Grayson Boucher, Tabatha Taylor, and James Green—recently wrote a letter to Mayor Tom Arceneaux, suggesting that a state of emergency be declared due to the deteriorating conditions inside the police station. They plan to introduce legislation at the upcoming Sept. 24 city council meeting to encourage both the mayor and Police Chief Wayne Smith to relocate officers and administrative staff to a safer environment.

The Situation Unveiled

This unexpected discussion comes after a series of unsettling social media posts over the weekend, showcasing alarming photos of suspected mold and the damaged walls within the station. Trying to be transparent about the situation, Chief Smith took KTBS on a guided tour of the facility.

“I’ve been in touch with the public buildings department,” Smith shared, emphasizing his efforts to ensure that the issues are addressed appropriately. “I want to let them know the damage exists and is worsening. We also need to test to make sure there’s no mold or other unhealthy substances lurking around.”

Water damage has notably affected the ceiling inside the station, leading many to connect the dots with a similar incident from last year when Shreveport Fire Station No. 20 had to close due to mold issues. Fortunately, the firefighters found temporary shelter while renovations were completed earlier this year.

A Collective Call for Action

During our conversation with Council Member Boucher, he expressed the urgency of the matter. “I think this council has pretty much unanimously said we will pledge whatever money is needed to get the officers into a different environment—one that’s cleaner and safer. We’ve voiced this concern repeatedly since 2019,” he pointed out.

Unfortunately, it seems the aging infrastructure is playing a significant role in the current crisis. Chief Smith explained that the headquarters has been compromised mainly due to the building’s age. While some construction is currently moving forward on a new substation along North Market, plans for a new central office are still years away from initiation.

In their letter to the mayor, Boucher, Taylor, and Green highlighted an alarming array of ongoing issues at the Texas Avenue police station—from mold infestation to inadequate heating and cooling, not to mention the troubling presence of raw sewage. They characterized the environment as not only uncomfortable but also dangerous for the police personnel who serve our community.

Looking Toward the Future

As it stands, a bond issue of $27.5 million was passed in 2021 aiming for improvements; however, city council members are frustrated that construction has yet to begin. Their letter pointed out the disheartening reality that despite both the mayor and Chief Smith acknowledging the urgent need for change, little has been done to ensure officers and staff have a safe place to work.

Beyond just water damage and mold, this situation poses a serious health risk to those who work in the police station. The council also expressed concern about a “mass exodus” of officers and administrative staff who are choosing to move to other departments in search of better working conditions—a worrying trend that could have long-term effects on public safety and community trust.

With the Sept. 24 meeting approaching, many residents are holding their breath, hoping for swift action to secure a healthier and safer workspace for the dedicated officers serving the community. The stakes have never been higher, and it’s clear that significant changes need to happen sooner rather than later.