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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.

 

QUESTIONS FOR UPCOMING SHREVEPORT COUNCIL PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING

John Settle

On Tuesday, Sept. 24, Shreveport councilman Gary Brooks chaired a spirited Public  Safety Committee (PSC) meeting with six council members in attendance. The almost two hour meeting focused on the Shreveport Fire Department and the Shreveport Police Department--primarily the latter. Brooks has set another Public Safety Committee meeting before the Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct.8.

Many of the questions at the meeting where passed off to persons not in attendance. Others were not answered, or only partially answered.

One can expect a large crowd of city officials will be summoned to the upcoming meeting including the following:

  • SFD and SPD personnel who attended the Sept. 24 meeting

  • Shelly Ragle SPAR director

  • Shreveport City architect

  • Person(s) responsible for retention of footage from SPD drones and SPD surveillance cameras

  • Real Time Crime Center director/coordinator Kevin Thomas

  • SPAR Building maintenance supervisor responsible for SPD Headquarters on Texas Avenue


Many follow up questions need to be asked and answered including the following:

1. How many repairs were made at SPD headquarters between the committee meetings?

2. What building(s) have been identified for housing SPD headquarters personnel--if executive session needed for this information then one should be called?

3. SPD has 20 drones, only 19 total pilots including SFD--what efforts are being made to train and license more drone pilots?

4. How many cadets are still in SPD Academy, what is graduation date and what duties can new academy graduates perform for SPD?

5. What is the status of Fire Station 20 remodeling and what is estimated completion date?

6. Has flooring issue at fire station at Greenwood and Hearne been resolved?

7. Has the administration completed a review of Seabaugh's speed camera law and the impact of the same on Shreveport law enforcement for review by Council and public?

8. What is status of staffing at ABO office?

9. How many cadets are still in SFD Academy, what is graduation date and what duties can new academy graduates perform for SFD?

10. What will be the source of funds to move SPD HQ to alternative location(s); rent for the alternative location(s)?

11. SFD personnel to S.C. for hurricane assistance--how many, impact on SFD, costs to SFD and any reimbursement?

Certainly, there will be more questions from the council members at this meeting. Hopefully, this is a good start for this important meeting.

DON'T ASK IF A SCHOOL IS "GOOD" OR "BAD"

GUEST COLUMN: THE RULE ON LEGISLATIVE CONTINUANCES IS AN INVITATION TO ABUSE. HERE'S WHY.