News Summary
The Shreveport Police Department has intensified efforts to combat illegal squatting through a newly enacted ordinance. This initiative empowers police to remove individuals occupying unfit structures, aiming to enhance community safety. Since the ordinance was introduced, multiple arrests have been made. Operation A.S.K. B.L.U.E. represents a coordinated approach to address squatting issues, with community involvement encouraged in reporting illegal activities. The city is focusing initial efforts on the Highland area, responding to a significant number of squatter-related calls in recent months.
Shreveport – The Shreveport Police Department is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal squatting through the enforcement of a newly introduced ordinance, which prohibits the occupation of structures deemed unfit for human habitation. This initiative, which aims to bolster community safety, has already resulted in multiple arrests in recent weeks.
The ordinance, enacted on April 3, 2025, came after the introduction by Mayor Tom Arceneaux and received approval from the City Council. It empowers the police to take a more proactive stance against squatter laws, enabling them to remove individuals unlawfully occupying unsafe properties. Since its implementation, several arrests have been reported, with individuals apprehended for violating the ordinance on specific dates:
- Robert Douglas on May 30
- Lachelle Barnum and Jerman Wilson on June 2
- Kiante Henderson, Derek Holden, Lisa James, Patrick Richmond, and Jose Hector on June 4
- Marie Alfred, Alonzo Allen, Gregory George, Sharon George, and Adam Peal on June 5
Each of these individuals was found residing in properties that were identified as unsuitable for human habitation. This concentrated law enforcement operation underscores the Shreveport Police Department’s commitment to protecting neighborhoods from nuisance offenses and ensuring adherence to safety and health standards.
The newly launched initiative, termed Operation A.S.K. B.L.U.E., stands for Addressing Squatters Knowledgeably — Bold Legal Unified Efforts. This citywide effort reflects a comprehensive approach to tackling squatting and related unlawful activities. The police department notes that from January 2024 to March 2025, it received over 300 calls regarding squatters, with approximately 40% of these calls originating from the Highland area, which will be the initial focus of these efforts.
Squatting has been associated with various criminal activities, such as theft, burglary, unauthorized entry, trespassing, property damage, drug-related offenses, armed threats, and fire incidents. Recognizing that illegal squatting poses serious risks to community safety, law enforcement is collaborating with Code Enforcement, Animal Control, and local housing organizations to address the overarching problem.
Residents are encouraged to assist the police department by reporting any illegal occupations or related public safety concerns. They can do so by contacting the Shreveport Police Department at 318-673-7300. An anonymous reporting option is also offered through Caddo Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373, allowing community members to contribute to safety efforts without revealing their identities.
The Shreveport Police Department reiterates its dedication to safeguarding the community and maintaining secure environments for all residents. By implementing the new ordinance and conducting targeted operations, authorities are taking significant steps to enhance the quality of life in neighborhoods plagued by squatting and related crimes.
Overall, the enforcement of this ordinance marks a critical step towards improving community safety and restoring order within affected neighborhoods, with plans to expand these efforts as needed across Shreveport.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Shreveport Launches Initiative to Combat Squatting
Shreveport Tackles Squatter Issues with New Initiative
Shreveport Launches Operation A.S.K. B.L.U.E. to Combat Squatting
Shreveport Lawsuit Highlights Growing Squatter Crisis
Additional Resources
- 710 KEEL News
- Wikipedia: Squatting
- KTBS News
- Google Search: squatting law enforcement
- KSLA News
- Google Scholar: squatting ordinance Shreveport
- Shreveport Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: squatting
- The Center Square
- Google News: squatting Shreveport
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
