(The Center Square) – The Shreveport Police Department has arrested 75 people and charged them with squatting in the city since the ASK BLUE initiative and squatting ordinance took effect in April.
In its monthly crime report, the department gave updated arrest numbers for squatting throughout the city, and included how many have been convicted year-to-date.
In total, the department has made 75 arrests on charges of squatting, with 67 convictions. Of the remaining people charged, there is one open bench warrant, two set for trial and five set for arraignments, according to the report.
“This number comes straight out of the city court’s database,” said Police Chief Wayne Smith. “So, it is about as accurate as accurate can get.”
At the beginning of September, the department arrested six people accused of squatting in one weekend, bringing the previous total to 70. Arrests continue to increase each month under the new initiative.
The ASK BLUE initiative and Ordinance 18 took effect in April with the specific purpose of reducing squatting in Shreveport. City officials aimed to address the issue through actions.
ASK BLUE is an acronym for Addressing Squatters Knowledgeably with Bold Legal Efforts.
“Our officers have been actively enforcing the city’s new squatting ordinance to ensure neighborhoods remain safe and secure,” the department said.
Smith said anytime the department gets a tip that someone is occupying a property that does not have public utilities, officers actively investigate.
