Erin McCarty 710KEEL.com
What are the biggest equipment needs of the Shreveport Police Department? Police Chief Wayne Smith is putting together his wish list of equipment needs for his department. He's expected to submit that list to the Mayor this week. At that point, Mayor Tom Arceneaux will likely approach Caddo Parish leaders for help in paying for this equipment.
This comes of the heels of the proposal by Commissioner John Paul Young to spend $2.8 million in parish dollars to buy 40 police cars for the Shreveport Police Department.
Chief Smith shared with the Public Safety Committee today that police cars might not be at the top of his wish list. He does say Shreveport recently had to borrow the Rook SWAT vehicle from Bossier Police for a standoff incident on Flournoy Lucas Road.
What Is a Rook Police Vehicle
The Rook is a specialized Armored Critical Incident Vehicle (ACIV) designed for law enforcement to operate in high-risk situations like hostage rescues, barricaded suspects, riot control, and it can even be used for disaster response.
Chief Smith was asked what this armored vehicle costs and he told the Committee it's about $700,000 and that includes a heavy-duty trailer and a truck to tow the Rook.
What Are the Specifications of the Rook
Built on a Caterpillar 297 series tracked skid-steer chassis, giving it mobility in tight urban or confined spaces.
Armor: NIJ Level IV ballistic protection for the cab and mission-specific attachments.
The Rook also comes with a wireless camera system included on the chassis.
Chief Smith told the Public Safety Committee the recent incident on Flournoy Lucas involved mobile homes very close together and the city's Bear Cat could not get in to breach the doors or deploy gas. That's why the Rook from Bossier was used. It can get into smaller spaces.
Smith says "it can go anywhere off-road into tight spaces and it's fully armored. It has a platform it lifts up where there is a two-story facility to make entry on the second level. It is invaluable."
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.