Shreveport Police Ramp Up Patrols in Local Parks This Summer

Summer time brings some added problems for police in Shreveport. More and more young people want to get out and have a good time. Often, they will show up in local parks to hang out. That’s perfectly fine. But when these gatherings escalate into drag races, police are called on to intervene.

Assistant Chief Captain Colette Kelly has told the Shreveport City Council “we have put together a team to address cruising. We have also entered into an agreement with Sheriff Whitehorn and he will allow some of his deputies to come help us patrol the areas.” She says auxiliary officers will also be used in this operation.

What Parks Will Shreveport Police Patrol?

Captain Kelly says these units will be available to respond, as needed. She says “cruisers tend to go from one park to another and these officers will be ready.” Right now, the cruisers have been gathering in Ford  Park in west Shreveport. But they also migrate to Airport Park and they have also used the Clyde Fant Parkway. But those are only a few of the examples.

She says this is a city-wide plan and SPD will be able to dispatch quickly and deal with the cruisers “before it gets blown out.” Kelly says our goal is to deal with each situation before it becomes a problem.

Captain Kelly does say it is not a crime for these young people to go out an enjoy our parks. It’s a problem when it becomes so congested that no one can move around.  Kelly says “when no one can move either way, that's a safety concern.

She also says the loud music can also become a problem. When it is so loud, police have to step in. She does encourage residents to report when large crowds start showing up at the parks. This can help police stay ahead of the problem.

When Is Cruising the Biggest Problem?

Of course the weekends are a big concern. Friday and Saturday nights are often busy, but Sunday afternoon is also one of the key times because the parks are open and young people want to have some fun to wrap up the weekend.

She also has concerns about the music. “I don't want you to play your music so loud that the entire neighborhood has the pictures shaking on the wall.

But she says other people have a right to use the park too. And often times that involves families. Shreveport leaders have to make sure the parks are kept safe for all.

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Taylor says “remember that you have children out there and families. The parks are not just for you. They are for everybody who wants to enjoy them.”

She also raised concerns about these young people drag racing in the streets. She says this is happening from North Market to Lakeshore drive and beyond. She says you simply can not do that on public roads.