Shreveport Parks Are Getting A Security Upgrade With New Cameras

Shreveport is moving forward with installing cameras and lighting in some of our local parks. The first park on the list is Ford Park on the south shore of Cross Lake.

Police Chief Wayne Smith has told the City Council they have decided to close Ford Park earlier each night. The gates are now being closed at 7pm each night. But the Chief says he is also moving full steam ahead with a plan to put cameras throughout the park to deter people from gathering and breaking the law in these public spaces.

How Many Cameras Are Being Installed?

Chief Smith says there will be 3 poles installed in each section of the park, one of the shore of the lake and the other section across the street. Each of these poles will have 3 cameras on them with a wide view of all parts of the park. The poles will be 30 feet tall. The Chief says these poles can also be used to add lighting to the park.

How Much Will the Cameras Cost?

Chief Smith says the price tag for these poles is $55,000. The city already has the cameras that were planned for the neighborhoods. If these cameras are shifted to the park, the cameras will have to be replaced for the neighborhood project. The cameras cost between $3500 and $5000 each.

The electric company will have to install the poles and run the electric wiring underground for all of these poles. That's the reason for the high price tag. The Chief says the park does not have anything available overhead right now to place these cameras and power would have to be extended into the park.

Chief Smith says these cameras have the beacon light on them so visitors to the park will know they are being watched at all times. The money is coming from the public safety fund.