(The Center Square) — At the start of the year, the Shreveport Police Department set goals within the 2025 operating budget plan, highlighting significant strides they plan to make by the end of the year.
While decreasing crime in Shreveport is the top priority for the department, there are other areas and technologies that will be a focus as well.
When examining goals related to reducing crime, the department aims to decrease the homicide rate by 20% compared to 2024 numbers. According to recent crime data, homicides have dropped 44% since last year. As of June 25, there were 16 reported homicides in Shreveport compared to 32 in 2024.
Based on yearly goals set, taking guns off the streets is also a top priority for the department. Reports show the department has seized 500 guns as of June 25. Officials at the department have previously emphasized the importance of addressing gun-related offenses.
“The Shreveport Police Department takes gun-related offenses seriously and will continue working diligently to remove illegal firearms from the streets to protect the community,” said the department in a previous news release.
Apart from crime, the department is looking to devote more time and resources to its Officer Wellness Program and establish a Mental Health Unit that would work with professionals who can better help the people of Shreveport.
The department aims to increase the number of qualified police applicants by 100%. In April, the department reported an increase in officers at the end of 2024 compared to numbers from the previous year. By the end of 2023, the department had 432 officers, and 438 officers by the end of 2024. They are hoping for 450 by the end of this year.
Other areas the department wants to focus on are working with community organizations to engage the youth of Shreveport and increase community involvement.
The department is set to give an update on crime stats and department projects at the end of this month.
