(The Center Square) — It’s been one week since an anti-squatting operation began in Shreveport and there have already been five arrests, with more than 50 homes inspected in the area.
“This is a clear example of what happens when a community and its police department work together to solve real problems,” said Mayor Tom Arceneaux in a news release. “Our residents spoke up, and our officers responded swiftly and strategically. This is exactly what we envisioned when we launched Operation ASK BLUE.”
Operation ASK BLUE stands for “”Addressing Squatters Knowledgably” with “Bold Legal Unified Efforts.”
Five arrests were made Thursday, including three arrests for squatting, one arrest for illegal possession of a stolen firearm, and one taken into custody for outstanding warrants. Three aggressive dogs in the area were also seized by Animal Control.
Shreveport officers took to the streets after receiving over one hundred communications from concerned residents since the new operation launched. Those 40 officers were led by Assistant Chief Colette Kelly and focused heavily on the Highland neighborhood. The Shreveport Police Department, Property Standards, Animal Control, and other city partners investigated over 50 properties Thursday in response to the calls.
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith was on-site during the department’s efforts Thursday.
“This is about restoring order, safety, and peace of mind to our neighborhoods. Squatting is not a victimless crime, and today’s action is just the beginning. We’re committed to continuing this momentum until the problem is under control,” Smith said in a news release.
The Center Square spoke with Shreveport Police Department Public Information Officer Cpl. Chris Bordelon about the ongoing efforts to combat squatters.
“This is a meaningful step forward for our city,” said Bordelon. “By addressing criminal issues with a common-sense approach, we’re beginning to see real, positive change — and we’re just getting started.”
The ASK BLUE operation and Ordinance 18 took effect on April 4 as the city looks to combat squatters throughout the Shreveport area. Reports of squatters have sparked concern in Shreveport as more fires, burglaries, trespassing and drug activity have been seen.
The operation has three phases. Phase one focuses on community engagement, phase two focuses on investigation and enforcement and phase three focuses on arrests.
Data previously released showed the department received over 300 calls relating to squatting between January 2024 and March of this year.
“With this ordinance and SPD’s swift action, we are taking a firm stance against unauthorized occupation and restoring peace and order to our neighborhoods,” said Arceneaux.
