Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: Nov 25, 2008

Phone: 318/525-5066 Fax: 318/673-6933

Contact: Bill Gooden, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IACP Webber Seavey Award 2008

The Shreveport Police Department was recently recognized by the International Associations of Chiefs of Police (IACP) as one of twenty-five premier law enforcement agencies in the world. Jointly sponsored by IACP and Motorola, the Webber Seavey Award is presented annually to agencies and departments worldwide in recognition for promoting a standard of excellence that exemplifies law enforcement's contribution and dedication to the quality of life in local communities. This program helps law enforcement agencies worldwide and the communities they serve by redefining the concept of law enforcement and how it is routinely performed. The award is named for Webber S. Seavey, the IACP's first president.

Although this award was bestowed upon the Shreveport Police Department, it is clear that the department did not act alone in the achievements which led to this prestigious honor. Numerous others were instrumental in providing leadership, support, and dedication to improving the quality of life in our community.

On July 1, 2007, Mayor Glover launched operation T.B.O.N.E., a comprehensive crime fighting, property standards, and quality-of-life initiative. With support from the Shreveport City Council, Operation T-Bone mobilized City resources to address various concerns in each police district of the city. Along with the Shreveport Police Department, the Property Standards Bureau and the Department of Operational Services became an integral part of the project offering considerable support and unwavering dedication to the project.

In addition to the original concept, Operation T.B.O.N.E. is doing much more than coordinating the efforts of City departments. It has introduced genuine partnerships with the city’s residents and city personnel by fostering new relationships and increased accountability for public servants who work toward a greater good.

The second phase of Operation T.B.O.N.E was launched in late October/early November of 2007. Operation Closed Market adds officers from the investigations bureau and administration bureau to augment patrol division in serving outstanding warrants. Since Nov. 1, 2007, three Closed Market Operations have taken place in which 40 officers were able to arrest 25-30 criminals during each operations, a total of 130 criminals have been arrested.

In summation, through the leadership of our local government, the support of our City departments, the dedication of our city employees, and the participation of our citizens, the Shreveport Police Department was recognized for achieving monumental strides in five different categories: continued improvement to the community, strengthening police relations and community participation, using resources as effectively as possible, enhancing inter-agency communications and developing creative and innovative approaches to law enforcement-related problems.

Global recognition for this award has encouraged others to seek our assistance in developing their own programs with the anticipation of duplicating our success. As a community, we can all share in the pride of our accomplishments which continue to make our community a better place to live.

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