Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: Apr 14, 2008

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

Contact: Kacce Hargrave, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Security Kiosk to open in Red River District

The City of Shreveport, Shreveport Police Department, Downtown Development Authority and El Dorado Casino have joined forces to establish a security kiosk in the Red River District.

The kiosk, located under the Texas Street Bridge, gives officers a visible and convenient location in downtown, as well as enhance the SPD’s efforts to provide security for the Central Business District.

The Downtown Development Authority contributed $25,000 to build out the space, which is being donated by El Dorado Resort Casino Shreveport. El Dorado and Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation provided manpower and materials to remodel the space to fit the needs of police officers.

“This venture is a good example of the effectiveness of public/private partnerships,” said Mayor Glover. “This is another crime-fighting innovation that I'm proud to see launched by SPD, DDA and El Dorado. It puts public safety within reach of downtown visitors. I see this as a progressive step towards bringing citizens together with local law enforcement, creating a safer Shreveport.”

The kiosk will also serve as a monitoring station for surveillance cameras currently being installed in the riverfront area of downtown. The Downtown Development Authority allocated $150,000 from bond funds for safety and security issues. The Authority has spent approximately $65,000 to purchase cameras and build a Mesh Access surveillance system.

“The security of visitors to our downtown area is of utmost importance to us,” said Chief Whitehorn. “It will be extremely helpful to have a presence inside the Red River District. It puts the police in an ideal position to respond to whatever need arises.”

Shreveport Police personnel will utilize the kiosk to prepare reports and monitor activity in the Red River Entertainment District. It also allows them to be in closer proximity to the heart of downtown than the Mounted Patrol Barn, where they are currently housed.

“The DDA believes that having a visible police presence in the entertainment district is a key step in helping ensure the safety of visitors to our downtown,” said DDA Executive Director Don Shea. “We are pleased to be able to support the continued good work of the Shreveport Police Department in the on-going effort to provide a safe and attractive downtown environment.”

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Information can be left with Crime Stoppers at 673-7373 or by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimestoppersshreveportcaddo.com.

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