Shreveport Police Boost Downtown Security with New Mobile Cameras

Shreveport police are beefing up the cameras in downtown to keep a closer eye on activities in the Red River District.

Police Chief Wayne Smith says the city currently owns 3 mobile cameras that he says are moved “to different hotspots where they are needed.” The Chief says the city is also using the one that is owned by G-Unit to help keep an eye on the area.

READ MORE: 50 Cent Wants New Yorkers to Move to Shreveport

The Chief says the cameras are available to be used at festivals. He says the city can rent or lease them to organizers of special events.

Smith says the city is in the process of buying 2 more of these mobile cameras. He says the first round of bids was rejected because all of the specifications were not met and the low bidder was an out of state company that would not be able to provide quick response in the event of problems.

Where Are Cameras Needed in Downtown

Chief Smith says a camera is needed in the stage area and there is also a blind spot near the old Nicky’s restaurant. So these new cameras will be used in those areas unless they are needed for other specific events.

Chief Smith says all of the cameras in downtown are being upgraded to the “quad head which means there's four cameras in one dome so you pretty much get 360° coverage.” The Chief says five of the current cameras in the district need to be upgraded.

The added security is being pushed as a result of several fights in downtown on Halloween night. At least 6 people have been arrested in connection with those fights.