Shreveport Sees Big Decline in Overall Crime Statistics

Major Crimes See Sharp Decline in Shreveport

Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith is optimistic, and the numbers back him up. Speaking on KEEL News Friday morning, Chief Smith confirmed that major crime categories across the city are on the decline. “Vehicle burglaries, carjackings, shootings, shots fired, vehicle thefts, everything is down and pretty dramatically,” he said.

That positive trend is a result of more than luck. “We’re doing a lot of creative things,” Smith noted, pointing to a mix of strategic policing and unprecedented collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies. Among them: the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals, Louisiana State Police, FBI, DEA, and more.

Community Involvement Makes a Difference

While partnerships with other agencies are critical, Smith says the public’s role cannot be overstated. “Just as equally, or more important is the community itself,” he said. “People are stepping up, assisting, helping. It’s time for crime to go away.”

Chief Smith emphasized that the department watches its crime data closely, identifying areas where more attention is needed. For instance, while most categories are down, crimes against persons have ticked up slightly. “We’re not ignoring it. We lay it out, ask why, and figure out how to prevent it from happening again.”

Proactive Moves on Recruitment and Visibility

SPD is still working to boost its ranks. Smith shared that about 15 new applications crossed his desk just this week. “We’ve also rehired a former officer who served as a recruiter and has military recruiting experience as well,” he added.

Speed cameras have helped free up officers for more serious calls, according to Smith. “They’ve been a tremendous force multiplier,” he said. “And we haven’t had a single child struck in a school zone since they were installed.”

Cracking Down on Squatters, With Compassion

Shreveport police have also taken an aggressive but compassionate stance on illegal squatting. A new ordinance has empowered SPD to act quickly, over 30 arrests have already been made, with most suspects pleading guilty. “But we also offer them resources,” Smith said. “We want to help,but people have to be willing to receive that help.”