News Summary
The Shreveport Police Department is planning to construct a new substation at Cedar Grove Park to improve safety in Southeast Shreveport. Police Chief Wayne Smith shared updates on various police initiatives during a Public Safety Committee meeting, including this substation and a new firing range. The department aims to enhance police presence and community engagement in the area, alongside plans to modernize the police fleet with new vehicles and upgrades to existing facilities.
Shreveport – The Shreveport Police Department has announced plans to construct a new police substation at Cedar Grove Park, located at the intersection of West 70th and St. Vincent Avenue, in an effort to enhance community safety measures. The substation aims to serve Southeast Shreveport, a region that has experienced minimal police presence and community engagement.
During a recent Public Safety Committee meeting, Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith shared updates on several key police initiatives, including the substation project, a new firing range, and the procurement of additional police vehicles. The decision to build at Cedar Grove Park comes after lengthy evaluations and is influenced by suggestions from city officials, particularly District “D” Councilman Grayson Boucher.
The new substation will be designed similarly to two other substations currently under construction in West Shreveport and North Market, which is expected to streamline the design process. With the Cedar Grove substation, the department plans to retain the existing playground equipment and may relocate a nearby baseball field to balance community needs with operational requirements.
Plans are in place to solicit bids for the construction of the Cedar Grove substation later this year, with hopes of having the facility operational by summer 2026. Chief Smith emphasized the careful thought that went into selecting the location, ensuring that it meets both financial considerations and the public safety needs of the surrounding community.
In addition to addressing infrastructure needs, the Shreveport Police Department has ordered 58 new police vehicles, of which 54 are currently in service. The order aims to modernize the city’s police fleet, with four vehicles still undergoing outfitting before deployment.
The department is also close to completing a new firing range project, which is currently at 99% completion. The facility has undergone test runs, and the final piece needed—bulletproof glass for the control booth—is now pending installation. This $2.1 million range is being financed through funds allocated from the 2021 bond package, which also supports the substation initiative.
As part of ongoing community engagement strategies, the Shreveport Police Department is actively discussing measures to address cruising activity in the area. A unified standard operating procedure has been implemented to manage the situation proactively. Adjustments to patrol schedules have been made, and collaboration with Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry L. Whitehorn is underway to enhance law enforcement presence in popular cruising spots like Ford Park and Airport Park.
Recent reports from Councilwoman Tabitha Taylor indicate a significant reduction in drag racing incidents within the city, attributed to the new patrol strategies being deployed by the department.
Cedar Grove Park, the selected site for the new substation, is an underutilized space that also serves as a transfer point for SporTran, the local public transportation service. This dual purpose is expected to improve the park’s utility for community services and further integrate police presence into everyday life in the area.
In conclusion, the Shreveport Police Department’s upcoming projects, including the Cedar Grove substation, new vehicles, and firing range, highlight the city’s commitment to enhancing public safety and community engagement. These initiatives represent a critical step forward in modernizing the police force and fostering a safer environment for residents of Shreveport.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shreveport Auction Set for Former Natural Gas Provider Office
Shreveport Data Center and Office Building Set for Auction
Shreveport Police Arrest Nine Individuals Following New Ordinance Targeting Squatters
Shreveport Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting After Carjacking
Shreveport to Begin Construction on New Police Substations
Two Men Indicted for Homicide at Shreveport Walgreens
Deadly Officer-Involved Shootings Raise Concerns in Shreveport
Man Dies After Police Shooting During Carjacking Attempt in Shreveport
Police Shooting in Downtown Shreveport After Carjacking Attempt
Construction Progressing for Northwest Louisiana State Office Building
Additional Resources
- 710 KEEL – Police Substation Progress
- Wikipedia: Shreveport
- KTBS – Shreveport Police Updates
- Google Search: Shreveport police substation
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate – New Substations Concerns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shreveport Louisiana
- KSLA – New Police Substation Site Selected
- Google News: Shreveport police news
- KTAL News – Shreveport Police Substation Opening Soon
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.
