April 14, 2026
Honorable Greg Young
President, Caddo Parish Commission
Re: Allocation of Parish Funds for City of Shreveport Public Safety Needs
Dear President Young:
We are aware of a proposal for Caddo Parish to allocate $2.8 million to the City of Shreveport for public safety needs. We understand that the original proposal was for 40 take-home police vehicles.
First, we appreciate the consideration of the Commission for the city's public safety needs. Second, we believe that there are public safety needs that include take-home vehicles, but that include other critical needs that the city could meet with a one-time infusion of parish funds.
I requested that Police Chief Wayne Smith consult with his staff and provide a list of rank-ordered police equipment needs that add up to $2.8 million. He has done that, and his list is attached to this letter. The city would be very grateful if the parish would allocate $2.8 million for the purposes set forth in Chief Smith's list.
We have received some criticism of the proposed inclusion of the "rook" in the list. The rook is a true capital item with an expected useful life exceeding 20 years. Purchasing it would otherwise require funds from a bond issue. That is not likely to happen in the near term, so Chief Smith feels it is appropriate to ask for it in this one-time funding list. As you can see from his list, the rook would be used frequently.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and collaboration so that the city and the parish can meet the public safety needs of our citizens.
Sincerely,
Tom Arceneaux
Mayor
cc: Ms. Erica Bryant
Mr. Tom Dark
Chief Wayne Smith
Honorable Members of the Shreveport City Council
Ms. LaTonya Bogan, Clerk of Council
Proposed Equipment List Funded by Caddo Parish
1. Rook & Support Equipment ($721 ,300)
Armored Plated Vehicle
The rook is an armor-plated skid steer used for tactical deployment and rescue in armed barricade type situations. SPD has never owned such a unit and rely on the Bossier City Police for support in situations where this equipment is needed. Providing SPD's SWAT team members with the safest equipment to work with is vital to their safety and that of our community. In all armed and dangerous situations response time and deployment is critical in achieving the best outcome. In 2024 BCPD's rook was used four times, in 2025 three times, and thus far in 2026 1 time. This morning I talked to the SWAT Team Commander and he advised that if a rook were readily available to him if would be deployed on every SRT call out. This unit would also support needs throughout Caddo Parish.
2. 23 Marked patrol Units ($ 1,610,000)
These vehicles would be assigned to patrol as take-home storage units for officers that live in the Shreveport city limits.
3. Rescue Boat ($190,000)
Cross Lake Patrol needs a reliable, modern rescue boat. Its current fleet consists of two vessels that are both more than a decade old. A new rescue boat would provide a larger, more durable platform capable of operating safely in rough, choppy water and during severe weather conditions-situations where response time and reliability are critical. Cross Lake Patrol is tasked with towing vessels often. This vessel would be designed for that. This is not just an upgrade in equipment, but an investment in public safety. Importantly, this would be a one-time purchase. With the ability to be re -powered over time, the vessel would remain serviceable for many years, ensuring long-term value while enhancing the department's ability to respond effectively to emergencies on Cross Lake.
4. Rifle Rated Body Armer ($264,000)
Currently, Shreveport police officers are issued body armor that is primarily rated to protect against handgun ammunition. However, many of the firearms being recovered from offenders today are equipped with rifle-caliber rounds that can easily penetrate that level of protection. Upgrading to higher-rated body armor would significantly enhance officer safety by providing protection against a broader range of threats, including rifle fire. In today's environment, where the weapons encountered on the street are increasingly more dangerous, this is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. This type of armor ensures that our officers are protected in any situation, regardless of the caliber or type of ammunition they may face. Simply put, it gives them a fighting chance to go home at the end of their shift.
5. Rifle Rated Ballistic Shield ($36,000)
Currently, Shreveport Police patrol officers are forced to rely on a single rifle-rated ballistic shield shared across the entire city. In today's environment, where we are increasingly encountering high-powered weapons, this is simply not sufficient. This equipment would ensure that each area of the city is equipped with at least two rifle-rated shields, allowing officers to respond immediately to high-risk situations such as warrant executions, barricaded suspects, and encounters with armed individuals. Having proper protective equipment readily available is not a luxury-it is a necessity. These shields provide critical protection not only for our officers, but also for the citizens they are sworn to protect. When seconds matter, waiting on shared equipment is not an option. Investing in additional rifle rated shields is an investment in safety, preparedness, and the preservation of life.