The Shreveport Police Department Headquarters on Texas Avenue has been the focus of media attention recently--and rightly so. This facility has long been overdue for replacement.
Nonetheless, it’s time--no past time--for attention also be directed to locating a substation in Southeast Shreveport. Bond money was passed for three substations--and locations in north Shreveport and West Shreveport have been acquired/designated.
Sales taxes are the main source of income for the City of Shreveport. There is no doubt that the majority of these revenues are generated from businesses in SE Shreveport as well as by residents in SE Shreveport that shop in other areas of the city.
In the search of locations for temporary facilities for some SPD units, more than one facility has been identified in SE Shreveport that could be purchased and repurposed. If these are not utilized for HQ relocation, serious attentions should be given to placing a substation at one of these locations.
The Shreveport City Council has supported the planned substations for north and west Shreveport. Hopefully, the Council will do the same in a push for a substation in SE Shreveport as soon as plans for relocation of the SPD HQ are finalized. Residents of this area in Shreveport are entitled to the benefits of a substation just as much as those in north and west Shreveport.