Shreveport Takes Action: Dozens of Homes Inspected in Squatter Crackdown

SHREVEPORT, LA – A change in the local law has given Shreveport police more authority to arrest squatters and police are moving quickly to put that new law into action.

An effort dubbed Operation ASK BLUE (Addressing Squatters Knowledgeably – Bold Legal Unified Effort) was carried out this week and dozens of homes were inspected. Police Chief Wayne Smith says officers inspected more than 50 homes and several arrests were made.

This operation was carried out early Thursday morning in the Highland Neighborhood.

40 officers fanned out in the neighborhood where residents have called in more than 100 complaints about vagrants in vacant homes.

Property Standards, Animal Control, and other city partners also assisted with this effort. Animal Control seized three stray aggressive dogs during the operation.

Here Are Details of the Arrests Made During ASK BLUE:

Five people were arrested.

• Three people arrested for squatting
• One person arrested for Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm
• One person taken into custody on outstanding warrants

Vagrants setting up camp inside vacant homes have caused many problems in several neighborhoods including dozens of fires across the city. But the Highland neighborhood has been hard hit. These squatters also cause damage to these properties which makes them an even greater problem in the neighborhood.

Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith showed up on scene during the operation and says

“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.”

Mayor Tom Arceneaux, who lives in the Highland Neighborhood says

“This is a clear example of what happens when a community and its police department work together to solve real problems. Our residents spoke up, and our officers responded swiftly and strategically. This is exactly what we envisioned when we launched Operation ASK BLUE.”

The second part of this problem is to find the resources these vagrants need. Information was handed out to give them information about resources available in our community. This includes housing, food, mental health services and more.

Residents are encouraged to report squatter activity by calling the Community Oriented Policing Bureau at (318) 673-6950 or using Port City 311 to report the problem.

Operation ASK BLUE will continue in the coming weeks as the City of Shreveport works to ensure safe and livable neighborhoods for all its residents.