Shreveport Takes Action on Squatters: Increased Police Authority

SHREVEPORT, LA - Shreveport is taking action to deal with squatters. The City Council has passed a measure to give police more authority to remove vagrants from abandoned properties.

Mayor Tom Arceneaux has signed the measure which goes into effect on April 3.

The City Issued This Statement About Enforcing the Ordinance:

"The Shreveport Police Department (SPD) will launch Operation A.S.K. B.L.U.E. (Addressing Squatters Knowledgeably – Bold Legal Unified Efforts) as part of a citywide crackdown on squatting-related crimes."

Mayor Arceneaux says

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. 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.

Over the past year, Shreveport police got more than 300 calls about vagrants in properties in our neighborhood. Almost 40% of those calls came from folks in the Highland neighborhood.

Police have gotten calls about several crimes committed by squatters. Those crimes include burglary, trespassing, property damage, theft, drug activity, and more.

The City Plans to implement Operation ASK BLUE in three phases:

1. Community Engagement: SPD will launch a public awareness campaign encouraging residents to report squatting locations through Port City 311 or by calling SPD at (318) 673-6950.
2. Investigation & Enforcement: Law enforcement teams will verify reports, identify offenders, educate squatters on the new law, and offer resources and alternatives.
3. Saturation & Arrests: SPD will deploy patrols to heavily impacted areas, issue citations, execute outstanding warrants, and make arrests where necessary.

Police Chief Wayne Smith says “this initiative is about restoring safety and accountability. Our officers will take decisive action to identify and remove squatters while working with property owners, community leaders, and other agencies to ensure a lasting solution. We are committed to making Shreveport a safer place for everyone.”

Residents are urged to report squatters by calling SPD at (318) 673-6950 or using Port City 311 online at https://www.shreveportla.gov/2786/Report-A-Concern, or by using the Port City 311 phone application.