Shreveport Police Chief Smith Announces 4th Substation
New Home for Area 3 Officers Almost Ready
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith says the much-anticipated Monkhouse Drive substation is 99% complete. Smith told KEEL News on Friday morning, “Just a few minor things are left, like shifting a door, but we should be moving in within the next week.” That facility will soon serve as the permanent headquarters for Area 3, which covers West Shreveport.
North Market Substation Breaks Ground Today
Next up is North Shreveport. Smith confirmed the North Market substation project begins construction Monday, led by the same contractor responsible for the Monkhouse build. The estimated completion is roughly 200–250 days, but once open, this facility will house Area 1 officers. It will also include space for the Family Justice Center, offering critical support services for crime victims, which is a first for SPD.
Cedar Grove Location Moves Forward
The third substation, set for the corner of St. Vincent and 70th in Cedar Grove Park, has already received council approval. Chief Smith expects the project to go out for bid in late July. Once awarded, the East Shreveport (Area 2) patrol team will call that site home.
Yes, There’s a Fourth Substation
Smith cleared up some confusion about a possible fourth substation: it exists. Located at Kingston Road and Bert Kouns, this leased building will serve as a temporary hub for South Shreveport officers (Area 4) until funding is secured to build a permanent station across the street at Southern Hills Park. The lease is in place, with optional renewals built in. Some have questioned the cost, which tops $300,000, but Smith pointed to skyrocketing construction prices as a roadblock to building four new stations at once.
Moving Out of 1234 Texas Avenue
Smith says the move out of the historic headquarters building on Texas Avenue is already underway. Several departments, including HR, have relocated to South Pointe Parkway. Full relocation should wrap in the next couple of months, with renovations to follow. The city plans to preserve the original historic facade and blend it with modern upgrades.
Training Site Added to Monkhouse Property
Smith also revealed plans to convert the 13-acre concrete lot at the Monkhouse site into a dedicated driver training area for police, fire, public works, and even local school bus drivers, freeing up the Fairgrounds and offering a much-needed upgrade.