By: Carla Buntyn, Ph.D.
The Arklatex Gazette received a shared video via text about the Shreveport Police Officers Association that stated, "Mayor Arceneaux refuses to fund the Shreveport Police Department." The video also claimed that Chief Administrative Officer Tom Dark made changes to the city's budget and that Mayor Tom Arceneaux removed $4.5 million from the police personnel budget at a time when the department was approximately 140 officers short.
Because of the claims made in the video and the ongoing lawsuit filed by the police union against the City of Shreveport over mandatory overtime, The Gazette contacted the Shreveport Police Officers Association for additional information.
Michael Carter, president of the Shreveport Police Officers Association, said the staffing shortage has become even more severe since 2023. According to Carter, the department is now operating with approximately 177 fewer police officers than its authorized staffing level.
Carter said he remains concerned about officer recruitment and retention, pointing to pay as one of the department's biggest challenges. He noted that the Baton Rouge Police Department recently approved a pay increase and now offers a starting salary of approximately $64,500.
According to Carter, he urged Mayor Tom Arceneaux in 2023 not to remove the $4.5 million from the police personnel budget. Carter said the department had already lost about 40 employees at that time because of several factors, including compensation.
The Shreveport Police Officers Association stated that Mayor Tom Arceneaux explained that a new, highly motivated recruiting corps would soon help fill those vacancies. However, the association noted that it is now 2026 and contends the department continues to experience a significant staffing shortage. According to association president Michael Carter, the department is currently operating with approximately 177 fewer officers than its authorized staffing level.
Carter also expressed concern that without police retention raises, the department will continue to lose educated, experienced, and highly trained officers, making it more difficult to build and maintain an effective police force.
The staffing concerns come as the Shreveport Police Officers Association continues its lawsuit against the City of Shreveport over mandatory overtime. The union argues that ongoing staffing shortages have increased the amount of mandatory overtime required of officers.
The Shreveport Police Officers Association also stated that "bad executive decisions have cost the city both safety and security." The statement reflects the association's position regarding the impact it believes budget and staffing decisions have had on public safety and law enforcement operations.
The Arklatex Gazette has not yet contacted the City of Shreveport regarding the concerns raised by the Shreveport Police Officers Association. The Gazette will seek comment from the Mayor's Office to verify the claims regarding the reported $4.5 million reduction to the police personnel budget, current staffing levels, officer recruitment and retention, employee compensation, and the City's response to the union's concerns. The Gazette will update this story after receiving a response from city officials.
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