Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith is optimistic about the city’s safety, and the crime statistics back up his confidence. Speaking on KEEL News Friday morning, Chief Smith confirmed that major crime categories are dropping significantly across Shreveport.
“Vehicle burglaries, carjackings, shootings, shots fired, vehicle thefts — everything is down, and pretty dramatically,” Smith said.
Strategic Policing and Strong Partnerships Drive Results
This positive trend isn’t just luck. Chief Smith credits a combination of creative policing strategies and unprecedented cooperation with local, state, and federal agencies, including:
- Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office
- U.S. Marshals
- Louisiana State Police
- FBI
- DEA
- And others
These partnerships allow the police to tackle crime more effectively and share vital resources.
Community Involvement Is Key
Chief Smith emphasized that community support plays a crucial role. “Just as equally, or more important, is the community itself,” he said. “People are stepping up, assisting, helping. It’s time for crime to go away.”
Close Monitoring and Targeted Action on Crime
While most crime categories have declined, crimes against persons have slightly increased. The department is not ignoring this. Chief Smith explained, “We watch the data closely, ask why, and figure out how to prevent it from happening again.”
Boosting Police Recruitment and Visibility
The Shreveport Police Department is actively recruiting. Smith shared that about 15 new applications came in just last week. The department also rehired a former officer with experience in military recruiting to strengthen their recruitment efforts.
Technology Helping Keep Neighborhoods Safe
Speed cameras have been installed to reduce traffic violations and free officers to respond to more serious incidents. Smith called the cameras “a tremendous force multiplier.” Since their installation, no children have been struck in school zones.
Compassionate Crackdown on Illegal Squatting
Shreveport police have taken a firm yet compassionate approach to illegal squatting. A new ordinance allows SPD to act quickly, and over 30 arrests have been made so far, with many suspects pleading guilty.
“We also offer them resources,” Smith said. “We want to help, but people have to be willing to receive that help.”