(The Center Square) — Since the Shreveport Police Department and city officials began cracking down on squatters, over 20 arrests have been made, with 17 convictions.
The SPD gave an update on squatter complaints and arrests in the Public Safety Committee meeting. Since the passing of a new ordinance and the ASK BLUE initiative over 20 arrests have been made. Operation ASK BLUE stands for “Addressing Squatters Knowledgably” with “Bold Legal Unified Efforts.”
According to the report, the department has received 63 squatting-related calls since April 3.
“It was interesting because it was not just the Highland area. We had a call about a squatter in every district in the city,” said Shreveport Police Captain Colette Kelly.
Of the arrests, 12 have been found guilty and served an average of 20 to 30 days in jail. Some have also been fined, according to the report.
“It is actually moving in a positive direction. We have some pending cases coming up, but because we are following that ordinance to a T, it has been easy for them in the court when they are litigating that matter,” said Kelly.
Up-to-date numbers were given during the meeting, and there have been 17 convictions, a bench warrant for one, and three set for arraignment.
The squatting issue has been discussed rigorously throughout council meetings throughout the year, with the Highland area being the most affected. But, as Kelly noted, squatting calls are coming in from every district.
Previous reports showed 300 squatting related calls between January 2024 and March of this year before the intiative began. Of those 300, a large portion were from the Highland area, which resulted in the operation beginning there.
Mayor Tom Arceneaux previously spoke to both the ordinance and initiative.
“Illegal squatting is not just a property issue — it’s a public safety crisis that has contributed to increased crime, drug activity, and quality-of-life concerns for our residents,” Arceneaux said. “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.”
