Shreveport Police report highlights declining crime and arrest rates

(The Center Square) − Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith shared an optimistic update on crime trends and law enforcement activities, pointing to significant reductions in crime, arrests, and calls for service in 2024 compared to the previous year.The department credited the community’s cooperation and proactive efforts in crime prevention for the improvements.Police reported a sharp decline in calls for service, dropping from 15,606 in 2023 to 12,675 in 2024 — a reduction of 2,931 calls. Arrests also decreased, with 5,669 total arrests made in 2023 compared to 5,350 in 2024, reflecting 319 fewer arrests.”We in law enforcement look at the reduction not necessarily as a sign of our success but as a sign that things are improving in our community,” Smith said. “Our goal is to keep that trend going in a positive direction.”Homicides saw a significant decrease, with 82 recorded in 2023 compared to 54 in 2024 — a 35% reduction. Similarly, the number of shooting incidents dropped, with 318 people shot in 2023 compared to 283 in 2024. Shots fired calls declined by 370, with 2,632 reported in 2024 compared to 3,002 the previous year.Other crime trends also showed marked improvement:Rapes: Down from 127 in 2023 to 100 in 2024, a reduction of 27 cases.Robberies: Fell from 206 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, a decrease of 50.Burglaries: Reduced by 357 incidents, from 1,592 in 2023 to 1,235 in 2024.Auto Theft: Dropped significantly, with 996 vehicles reported stolen in 2024 compared to 1,237 in 2023.Thefts from Vehicles: Declined by 1,021 cases, with 1,039 reported in 2024 versus 2,055 the year prior.The department attributed the reductions in vehicle-related crimes to increased community awareness, such as locking cars and removing valuables from sight.The department seized over 11,000 illegally possessed firearms in 2024, a slight decline from the 12,104 seized in 2023.”These weapons will never make their way back to the street,” Smith assured, noting that all seized firearms are destroyed.Driving under the influence arrests remained steady despite staffing challenges. Officers made 599 DUI arrests in 2024, slightly fewer than the 625 in 2023, even with half the usual staffing levels dedicated to DUI enforcement.While crime overall is trending downward, vehicle-related fatalities remain a concern, with 32 deaths recorded in both 2023 and 2024. The department emphasized the dangers of impaired and inattentive driving as key areas for improvement. Smith also mentioned that department staffing has fallen significantly.

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