Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: Feb. 12, 2007

Phone: 318/673-6932 Fax: 318/673-6933

Contact: Kacee Hargrave, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chief addresses ordinance about flags at Mardi Gras

Shreveport Chief of Police Mike VanSant announced today that problems at the Mardi Gras parade regarding flags and flag-decorated items Saturday may have been the result of a big misunderstanding by officers enforcing a city ordinance.

VanSant apologized for any upset to citizens – either at the parade or otherwise – after a news story reported that officers would not allow flags or flag-decorated items on the parade route.

Apparently, officers not familiar with working Mardi Gras parades in the past misinterpreted the city ordinance to read that not only flags, but flag décor was prohibited on the parade route.

The actual ordinance is designed to prohibit flags and banners 50 feet from the parade route so as not to obscure the views of officers who are enforcing security, as well as citizens who come out to watch the parade.

-spd-

View all SPD press releases at www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/police/spdnews