Shreveport Police Department

www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/police/spdnews

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Aug. 22, 2001

Contact: Kacee Hargrave, Public Information Officer

Police Pastor Programs marks first year

It was one year ago that local ministers began riding patrol with Shreveport police officers as part of the first-ever Shreveport Police Department Police Pastor Program.

Since then, the pastors have accumulated many interesting stories of how they have helped not only citizens, but also officers.

To celebrate a successful first year, members of the Police Pastor Program and a few of their congregation members will gather with Police Chief Jim Roberts and Mayor Keith Hightower for a birthday party.

Since the beginning of the program, pastors have ridden patrol with officers, held three domestic violence rallies, assisted with Police Summer Camp, Police Baseball Camp and Police Basketball Camp and participated in National Night Out. Five pastors now serve on call as department chaplains.

The birthday party will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday on the first floor of the Shreveport Police Facility in the lobby. Refreshments will be served.

Other activities commemorating the Police Pastor Program include a Prayer Breakfast at 7 a.m. Friday at the Holiday Inn Downtown and a worship service at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

The Prayer Breakfast is $5 and open to the public. The Sunday evening worship service will be held at the Church of the Living God, 1634 Alma. The theme of the service is "Bridging the Gap Between Civil Service and Sacred Service."

-spd-