Shreveport council woman Levette Fuller is sponsoring a resolution requesting that the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division( DOJ) initiate a pattern or practice investigation into whether there are systematic violations of the Constitution or federal law by the Shreveport Police Department. The resolution is on the council agenda for tomorrow's Tues. meeting.
She cites " the SPD's use of force, the SPD's handling of investigations of all allegations of officer misconduct, and the SPD's standards of training, equipment and supervision provided to its officers for the safe and effective performance of their duties."
At the press conference this morning Fuller advised that if the DOJ did NOT investigate, then she would seek funding from the city council for an independent SPD audit. She did not indicate the costs of such an audit or the source of funds to pay for the same.
Fuller stated that she had NOT contacted anyone at DOJ or the U.S. Attorneys Office to discuss her request. She did say she had contacted the FBI.
Fuller emphasized that this a civil rights issue, and not a racial one.
She expressed disappointment that no other council member attended the press conference which was held on the steps at Government Plaza with the heat index near 100 degrees.
The press conference drew about 20 people, 5 of whom were from the media.
The council meeting begins at 3 p.m. and it will be conducted by ZOOM.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.