Shreveport, LA, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Shreveport officials, responding to a formal request from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, are deliberating the potential deployment of National Guard troops to address rising crime concerns. Despite a decline in violent crime and murders, city leaders, including Mayor Tom Arceneaux, are cautious about the military’s involvement in local policing. Discussions are ongoing about managing the deployment while maintaining community trust and civil rights. Public sentiment is divided, with concerns about the militarization of the city streets and the appropriateness of National Guard members’ roles in local law enforcement.
Shreveport officials are currently evaluating a potential deployment of National Guard troops in response to rising crime concerns, as communicated by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry in a formal request submitted on September 29. This request specifically includes Shreveport along with other cities across the state.
In a statement released on October 1, city officials discussed the implications of the National Guard’s possible presence. While crime rates in Shreveport have generally been trending downward—with violent crime reduced by 10% and murders down over 20% in 2025—there is ongoing concern among local leaders about safety and community relations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux has been in dialogue with local law enforcement, members of the City Council, and representatives from the National Guard. Discussions have focused on how to logistically manage a troop deployment without compromising the civil rights of Shreveport residents or damaging the established trust between the police force and community members.
Council Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor has voiced her worries regarding the potential impact of military involvement on the trust-building efforts between local law enforcement and the citizens they serve. Meanwhile, Mayor Arceneaux has expressed hesitance about the notion of guardsmen serving as crime fighters. However, he remains open to utilizing their skills for demolishing blighted apartment complexes that are believed to contribute to crime.
At this time, specific details regarding the timeline or operational plans for National Guard deployment remain unclear. The governor’s request follows prior efforts to draft resources to tackle urban crime, having previously sought funding for up to 1,000 National Guard members to address safety issues in urban centers, including Shreveport.
Notably, as of the latest reports, no National Guard troops have yet been deployed to any Louisiana city. Public sentiment in Shreveport about the potential deployment is mixed. Some residents have expressed concerns over the perceived militarization of local streets, alongside questions about the appropriateness of having National Guard members, primarily tasked with national protection, engaging in policing local communities.
City officials have noted that assistance is necessary in addressing issues like drug trafficking and other criminal activities associated with deteriorating neighborhoods. Mayor Arceneaux believes that removing derelict structures could act as a preventive measure for crime and is advocating for National Guard aid in achieving that goal.
Ongoing discussions between Shreveport officials and National Guard representatives regarding the logistics of such a deployment continue as the city grapples with maintaining public safety while respecting residents’ rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What did Governor Jeff Landry request on September 29?
- Governor Jeff Landry submitted a formal request for National Guard troops in multiple Louisiana cities, including Shreveport.
- What crime trends have been reported in Shreveport?
- Shreveport officials reported that crime rates have been trending downward, with violent crime down 10% and murders down over 20% in 2025.
- What are Mayor Tom Arceneaux’s concerns regarding National Guard deployment?
- Mayor Arceneaux is concerned that the presence of National Guard troops as crime fighters could infringe on residents’ rights and erode community trust in law enforcement.
- Are National Guard troops currently deployed in Louisiana?
- No National Guard troops have been deployed in Louisiana cities as of the latest reports.
- What are some public sentiments about the deployment of National Guard troops?
- Mixed responses have been reported, with concerns about the militarization of streets and the appropriateness of National Guard members policing local communities.
Key Features of the Potential National Guard Deployment in Shreveport
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Request Date | September 29 |
| Violent Crime Rate Change | Down 10% |
| Murder Rate Change | Down over 20% |
| Mayor’s Position | Concern about rights and trust |
| Council Chairwoman’s Concern | Impact on community trust |
| Current Status of Troops | No deployment yet |
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Additional Resources
- KSLA: City of Shreveport Responds to Potential National Guard Presence
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Mayor Hopes National Guard Can Help Demolish Blighted Properties
- Shreveport Times: National Guard Troops May Soon Patrol
- Wikipedia: National Guard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Guard
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.
