Another big issue for debate by the Shreveport City Council and the Arceneaux Administration is the request for SPORTRAN to provide security services.
There are four options currently:
1. Do nothing and threaten federal funding of SPORTRAN
2. Have Shreveport Police Department provide the services
3. Have the Caddo Parish Sheriff Office provide the services
4. Create a separate Transit Authority Security force.
The Mayor and SPD Chief Smith are formulating a soon to be released proposal.
As with any new program funding is an issue.
Here is the CPSO’s proposal, which Mayor Tom says is too expensive.
CADDO PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE
PROPOSAL FOR TRANSIT SAFETY & SECURITY SERVICES SPORTRAN TRANSIT DIVISION INITIATIVE
I. PURPOSE
The purpose o[ this proposal is to establish a dedicated Transit Division within the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office (CPSO) to provide comprehensive law enforcement and safety services for SporTran transit operations.
This initiative is designed to enhance public safety, ensure consistent enforcement, and provide a structured and accountable approach to transit security across all SporTran facilities and routes.
II. BACKGROUND
SporTran has identified a need to enhance safety and security across its transit system and initially proposed the development or a multi-agency Transit Task Force consisting of personnel from multiple law enforcement entities:
While multi-agency collaboration can provide value, this model presents inherent challenges, including fragmented command and control, inconsistent enforcement practices, administrative and reporting complexities, and potential interagency conflicts regarding leadership and oversight.
A multi-agency task force would also require participating agencies to operate under differing legal authorities, policies, and procedures. This could create unnecessary complications related to supervision, reporting, liability, and overall consistency of service delivery.
To address these challenges, CPSO proposes an alternative model that provides greater efficiency, accountability, and long-term sustainability through the creation of a dedicated Transit Division housed entirely within CPSO.
III. PROPOSED SOLUTION: CPSO TRANSIT DIVISION
CPSO proposes the creation of a dedicated Transit Division that will serve as the primary law enforcement entity responsible for transit-related safety and security operations for SporTran.
This division will consist of full-time CPSO personnel assigned exclusively to transit operations, ensuring focused, consistent, and reliable service delivery. Rather than relying on a multi-agency task force structure with multiple reporting lines and varied operational standards, the Transit Division will function under a single command structure within CPSO.
Key Features
Centralized command structure within CPSO
Dedicated personnel assigned solely to transit operations
Standardized policies, procedures, and enforcement practices
Direct accountability to CPSO leadership and SporTran administration
Reduced legal and administrative complexity compared to a task force model
This approach eliminates the need for cross-agency supervision while preserving the ability to collaborate with partner agencies when necessary.
IV. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The CPSO Transit Division will provide a comprehensive range of services, including but not limited to:
Uniformed patrols on transit routes and buses
Security presence at transit centers and high-traffic stops
Rapid response to incidents involving passengers, operators, or transit property
Crime prevention and deterrence through visible law enforcement presence
Support 1or transit operators to ensure safe working conditions
Coordination with SporTran staff on safety protocols and incident management
Monitoring and response at identified problem areas or high-risk locations
Data collection, incident tracking, and reporting related to transit safety operations
The overall goaI of these services is to provide a visible, proactive, and responsive public safety presence that supports safe transit operations for riders, employees, and the community.
V. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Transit Division will operate under the authority of the Caddo Parish Sheriff and will be integrated into CPSO's operational command structure.
Proposed Structure
1 Captain/ Division Commander
1 Lieutenant
2 Sergeants
12 Deputies
1 Administrative Coordinator
This structure ensures appropriate supervisory oversight, operational control, administrative support, and the ability to provide coverage aligned with SporTran's operational hours and service demands.
All personnel assigned to the division will report through CPSO's established chain of command. The Transit Division Commander will report directly to the Chief Criminal Deputy, who reports to the Sheriff. This structure ensures full integration with CPSO operations and provides clear oversight and accountability.
The Administrative Coordinator will support the division through scheduling, reporting, documentation, communication, and administrative coordination between CPSO and SporTran.
VI. OPERATIONAL COVERAGE AND SCHEDULING
The CPSO Transit Division will operate in alignment with SporTran's hours of service and operational needs. Staffing schedules will be developed to ensure adequate coverage during peak and non-peak transit hours, as well as during special events or other identified periods of increased demand.
Based on operational requirements, this may include multi-shift deployment models to ensure a consistent law enforcement presence throughout SporTran's system. Coverage levels will remain flexible and may be adjusted in coordination with SporTran to address evolving service demands, safety concerns, or future system expansions.
The proposed staffing model is designed to support expanded coverage, including potential 24-hour operations if required by SporTran.
VII. OPERATIONAL ADVANTAGES
Unified Command
A single chain or command ensures efficient decision-making, accountability, and operational clarity. All personnel will operate under one agency, one reporting structure, and one set of expectations.
Consistency in Enforcement
Standardized training, policies, and procedures will ensure uniform application of laws and enforcement practices across all transit operations.
Dedicated Resources
Personnel assigned exclusively to transit operations will not be diverted to competing priorities, allowing for reliable service and a consistent security presence.
Simplified Accountability
SporTran will have a single point of contact and a clearly defined agency responsible for all transit-related law enforcement services.
Scalability
The division can be adjusted to align with changes in ridership, service expansion, safety concerns, or operational priorities.
VIII. INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION
While the Transit Division will operate under CPSO command, this model preserves strong collaborative relationships with partner agencies, including:
Shreveport Police Department
Louisiana State Police
Shreveport City Marshal
These agencies may provide support as needed; however, operational control and oversight of the Transit Division will remain within CPSO to ensure consistency, efficiency, and accountability.
This approach allows interagency cooperation without creating the complications associated with cross-agency supervision and command.
IX. LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK
The structure of any multi-agency enforcement initiative must account for the legal, regulatory, and administrative requirements associated with cross-jurisdictional operations.
Under a traditional task force model, participating agencies would operate under differing legal authorities, policies, and procedural frameworks. This would likely require the development and ongoing management of multiple formal agreements, including Cooperative Endeavor Agreements (CEAs), Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), and interagency operational protocols. It could also create inconsistencies in enforcement, reporting requirements, and potential liability exposure.
A. Advantages of the CPSO Transit Division Model
The CPSO Transit Division reduces these complexities by establishing a single-agency operational framework that provides:
Unified legal authority under CPSO
Standardized policies and procedures
Reduced administrative burden
Clear delineation of liability and responsibility
Greater consistency in operations and reporting
This approach minimizes legal ambiguity and reduces the risk of jurisdictional or operational conflicts.
B. Legal Oversight and Support
CPSO will provide dedicated legal oversight through the Chief Civil Deputy, Joshua Williams, to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and contractual obligations.
Legal support will include:
Contract development and review
Ongoinr legal guidance related to transit operations
Risk management and liability mitigation
Review < of policies, procedures, and operational issues
Compliance with all applicable local and state requirements
C. Administrative Cost Considerations
The cost of legal and administrative support necessary to establish and maintain the Transit Division will be included within the contracted service model.
This ensures that SporTran receives a fully managed, legally compliant public safety solution without the need to independently manage complex intergovernmental requirements.
X. BUDGET AND FUNDING
The Transit Division will operate under a contracted service model, with funding provided by SporTran.
A. Staffing Costs (Base Salary)
Position
Quantity
Base Salary
SubtotalCaptain1$64,792$64,792Lieutenant1$58,410$58,410Sergeants2$53,693$107,386Deputies12$45,782$549,384Administrative Coordinator1$45,000$45,000Total Base Salaries $824,972
B. Fully Loaded Personnel Costs
Personnel costs include salary, benefits, retirement contributions, certifications, overtime, and other compensation factors associated with extended and multi-shift operational coverage.
Although the division's total base salary is currently estimated at $824,972, CPSO anticipates that actual annual personnel costs for this division will be closer to:
$1,500,000 annually
This estimate reflects the full cost of sustaining the division, including projected overtime, experience-based pay, certifications, pension obligations, and employee benefit costs.
CPSO's benefit structure is a significant component of this estimate. In addition to pension contributions, CPSO provides 100% employer-paid employee health insurance and 50% employer-paid dependent coverage. Based on current financial guidance, these benefit obligations result in an estimated load of approximately 57% above base salary. This supports the projected annual personnel cost associated with operating the Transit Division.
C. Vehicles and Fleet
To support operational readiness and deployment efficiency, CPSO proposes a fully assigned fleet model for all personnel assigned to the division.
For proposal purposes, CPSO has assumed one vehicle per assigned employee in order to fully account for operational needs and allow flexibility in future deployment models.
Total Vehicles: 16
Cost per Vehicle (Fully Outfitted Ford Explorer or equivalent): $50,000
Total Fleet Cost:
$800,000 (one-time)
These vehicles will he distinct from standard CPSO patrol units and outfitted specifically for transit operations. Vehicle outfitting will include emergency lighting, radios, and other law enforcement equipment necessary to support safe and effective operations.
Estimated Annual Fleet Operating Costs:
$120,000 - $180,000
These annual costs include fuel, routine maintenance, repairs, and related fleet expenses.
D. Equipment
Additional equipment costs will include items such as:
Radios and communication equipment
Uniforms
Duty gear
Safety equipment
Office and administrative supplies for division operations
Estimated Cost:
$75,000 - $l25,000
E. Training Training costs will include both initial and ongoing requirements necessa1y to support division operations.
Estimated Annual Cost:
$25,000 - $50,000
F. Administrative and Overhead Costs
Administrative and overhead costs will include:
Legal oversight
HR and payroll support
IT and reporting infrastructure
Other indirect support services necessary to sustain the division
Estimated Annua, Cost:
$75,000 - $125,000
G. Total Estimated Cost
Year One (Including Vehicles):
Approximately $2.3 - $2.5M
Ongoing Annual Cost:
Approximately $1.5M
Budget Disclaimer
All cost estimates are based on current projections and may vary depending on final staffing, compensation factors, equipment selections, and operational needs. Personnel costs reflect anticipated fully loaded expenses, including benefits and overtime associated with sustained multi-shift operations.
XI. IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
Upon approval and execution of an agreement, CPSO anticipates the following implementation phases:
Final agreement and budget approval
Personnel assignment and/or hiring
Vehicle acquisition and outfitting
Training and operational planning
Deployment of Transit Division
Estimated time to full implementation: 60-90 days
XII. CONCLUSION
The establishment of a CPSO Transit Division provides a structured, efficient, and sustainable approach to enhancing safety across SporTran's transit system.
This model ensure clear accountability, consistent enforcement, dedicated resources, and strong interagency collaboration without the operational and legal complications associated with a multi-agency task force structure.
CPSO is committed lo partnering with SporTran to deliver a high-quality public safety solution that supports transit operations, protects employees and riders, and strengthens public confidence in the transit system.
XIII. POINTS OF CONTACT
Joshua Williams
Chief Civil Deputy
Alexis James
Chief Administrative Officer