News Summary
The Shreveport Police Department reports a significant decline in both homicides and shootings, coinciding with increased gun seizures. This year, SPD has confiscated 500 firearms, contributing to a potential decrease in gun-related incidents. Year-end statistics show a drop in gun seizures and a 50% reduction in calls reporting shots fired since 2021. The overall reduction in crime underscores SPD’s commitment to community safety through proactive measures and training initiatives aimed at tackling illegal firearms.
Shreveport Sees Improvement in Homicides and Shootings Alongside Increased Gun Seizures
The Shreveport Police Department (SPD) has reported a noteworthy decline in both homicides and shootings within the city, which coincides with ongoing efforts to confiscate firearms. As of this year, SPD has seized 500 guns, signaling a potential decrease in firearm-related incidents compared to previous years.
Year-end statistics reveal a decline in gun seizures over the past few years: 1,101 in 2024, 1,204 in 2023, 1,163 in 2022, and 1,217 in 2021. Overall, SPD has successfully removed more than 5,000 firearms from Shreveport’s streets since 2021.
Significant Reduction in Shots Fired
From 2021 to 2024, Shreveport experienced a remarkable 50% reduction in yearly calls reporting shots fired. This year alone has seen 1,021 calls, significantly lower than prior years, which recorded 2,632 in 2024, 3,002 in 2023, 3,340 in 2022, and 4,649 in 2021.
Although the city witnessed a spike in shootings in 2023, it has overall seen a decline in annual shooting incidents. Reports note 105 shootings in 2025, down from 283 in 2024, 318 in 2023, 300 in 2022, and 458 in 2021.
Gun Homicides in Louisiana
Gun-related homicides account for a staggering 84% of all homicides in Louisiana, exceeding the national average of 78%. The SPD’s ongoing campaign to remove illegal firearms from the community is crucial in addressing this alarming statistic.
Recent Training Initiatives
Recently, the SPD conducted firearms intelligence training in collaboration with various federal and local agencies, with attendance exceeding 100 officers. This training covered critical topics, including privately made firearms, machine gun conversions, and homemade silencers, as well as effective strategies for prosecuting gun-related crimes.
Gun Destruction Strategies
To efficiently handle seized firearms, the SPD employs a device known as “the gun muncher”, which allows for the destruction of guns more effectively and economically than traditional methods like scrapyard disposal. SPD maintains rigorous documentation of destroyed firearms to ensure compliance with destruction laws. The revenue generated from scrap metal produced by these destroyed guns contributes to the city’s general fund.
Addressing Illegal Firearms
Shreveport’s Police Chief underscored the importance of educating the community regarding the dangers posed by illegal firearms. The SPD continues to focus on addressing illegal weapons dealers, particularly those operating beyond local jurisdictions. This includes efforts to combat the overall prevalence of illegal firearms in the community.
Comprehensive Drug Disposal Measures
In conjunction with its firearm disposal efforts, the SPD has acquired a new machine dubbed “the drug terminator” for the efficient disposal of illicit drugs. This initiative complements the department’s ongoing mission to create a safer urban environment by eliminating both illegal firearms and drugs from the streets of Shreveport.
The sustained decrease in shootings and homicides, along with the proactive measures taken by the SPD, illustrate a firm commitment to enhancing public safety and reducing the influence of illegal weapons in the Shreveport community.
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Additional Resources
- The Center Square: Louisiana Homicide and Gun Data
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- KTBS: Shreveport Police Firearms Training
- Google Search: Shreveport firearms training
- KSLA: Drunk Men Arrested for Firing Guns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Gun Muncher Initiative
- Google News: Shreveport illegal firearms
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.
