(The Center Square) – Since the start of the anti-squatting operation in Shreveport, seven arrests have been made with a majority being from the Highland neighborhood.
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith updated the City Council during Monday’s public safety meeting on the ASK BLUE operation. The department has made seven arrests total — two more since the last update on April 11.
Operation ASK BLUE stands for “Addressing Squatters Knowledgably” with “Bold Legal Unified Efforts.”
Recent reported data from the department showed they received over 300 calls relating to squatting between January 2024 and March of this year. According to Smith, about 30% or more of the incidents reported to the department come from the Highland neighborhood.
“Naturally, that’s where we began the operation that is citywide,” said Smith.
The Center Square spoke with Shreveport Police Department Public Information Officer Cpl. Chris Bordelon about the crime rates in the city.
“The citizens of Shreveport have truly stepped up — reporting crimes, providing critical information, and serving as reliable witnesses. Your support has never been stronger, and it’s helping us deliver real results,” said Bordelon.
Bicycle units are now deployed in the area, adding further surveillance.
Of the seven arrests, one person is still in jail, according to Smith, but he isn’t sure of the others. However, a current problem is offenders returning to the same location after being released. Sometimes they return to the same vacant property.
Councilman Grayson Boucher spoke to this concern and wondered if there are any efforts they can take to get properties boarded up after arrests happen.
“If something doesn’t happen to clean up that space, that area where it’s not enticing for people to come back… they are gonna keep on coming back,” said Smith.
Boucher and Councilman Jim Taliaferro suggested the department set up an additional surveillance trailer in those areas after making an arrest.
The trailers have been reported to significantly reduce crime in areas they are placed.
“There’s still more to be done, but we’re heading in the right direction,” Bordelon told The Center Square.
The ASK BLUE operation began at the beginning of April. City officials and the Shreveport Police Department have worked for the past few months on addressing squatters and blighted properties within the city.
