Mayor announces increase in police officers following state of the city address

The City of Shreveport's Public Safety meeting on April 21, 2025, highlighted significant developments in the local police force, particularly regarding staffing levels. Mayor Adrian Perkins noted an increase in the number of police officers, with the force growing from 432 officers at the end of 2023 to 438 by the end of 2024. This marks a positive trend in recruitment for the Shreveport Police Department.

Chief White confirmed that the department is set to welcome eight new officers during a graduation ceremony scheduled for this Friday at Broadmoor Baptist Church. This event underscores the department's ongoing efforts to bolster its ranks.

Looking ahead, Chief White discussed recruitment strategies, mentioning that the department employs two full-time recruiters who travel across the state to attract new talent. He expressed optimism about reaching a goal of approximately 450 officers by the end of 2025, despite challenges posed by attrition due to retirements and other factors.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing public safety through increased police presence and proactive recruitment efforts. As the department continues to grow, community members are encouraged to support these initiatives and attend the upcoming graduation ceremony.