Shreveport, La. – The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) unveiled a new public‑safety initiative on Wednesday, signaling a proactive step to reassure residents and visitors about downtown security. The centerpiece of the program is an armed private‑security patrol, complemented by extra surveillance cameras, stricter enforcement of existing ordinances, and a coordinated effort to find housing for an estimated 52 homeless individuals living in the city’s core.
Pilot program details
The DDA will contract New Orleans‑based Tectus Management Services for a three‑month pilot at a cost of $200,000. Four to five officers will patrol the downtown area seven days a week using utility terrain vehicles. Tectus staff are drawn from former law‑enforcement officers, military veterans, and current security professionals, with many still serving in the reserves.
“We make it a pilot because we want to make sure that what we’re doing is achieving the goals and objectives that we intend to achieve,” said DDA Executive Director Cedric Glover. “If there are changes and adjustments that we need to make, then we will be prepared to make those if necessary.”
Enforcement focus
Security officers will target aggressive panhandling, open‑container violations, and public marijuana use. While they do not possess full police arrest powers, they can detain individuals for up to an hour when a serious crime—such as an assault—occurs, then hand the case over to the Shreveport Police Department.
“Our arrest powers — we don’t essentially have arrest powers – but for elevated crimes, crimes against persons, where somebody is being attacked and is going to be seriously injured or hurt, we can intervene,” explained Jerry Silva, a retired Shreveport police officer supervising the Tectus team.
Funding and future outlook
The DDA and the Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation each contributed $100,000 toward the 90‑day contract. Should the pilot prove successful, Glover said the DDA will seek additional funding from other government sources while continuing to use its existing budget allocations.
“We will be looking to hopefully first [show] that this can end up making downtown better and then using that as the basis for being able to appeal for additional support if and when it’s necessary,” Glover added.
Housing component
Beyond security, the initiative includes a partnership with HOPE Connections and other community groups to place at least 90 % of downtown’s homeless population into quality housing within a year. The DDA views reduced homelessness as a critical element of overall safety and economic revitalization.
City support and logistics
The City Council recently approved an agreement granting the DDA temporary rent‑free office space in the Red River District in exchange for the security services. The 821‑square‑foot suite will serve as a dedicated workspace, with the city continuing to cover utilities.
Glover expects patrols to begin in October and promises a program update next year. Success metrics will include not only crime reduction but also increased residential and commercial occupancy, and the conversion of vacant buildings back to productive use.
Community response
Local business owners and residents have expressed cautious optimism, noting that a visible security presence could deter crime while the city’s police force remains short‑staffed. “Those folks already have other overtime assignments,” Glover said. “We wanted a group of folks who were specifically assigned and tasked and given this specific responsibility … based upon the needs that we see.”
The pilot reflects a collaborative approach that leverages private expertise, public resources, and nonprofit partnerships to address safety, homelessness, and economic vitality in downtown Shreveport.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
