In a joint effort to enhance safety and security, the City of Shreveport, Parish of Caddo, and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office have announced new security protocols for Government Plaza. Effective Friday, April 11, all visitors to Government Plaza will be required to enter through the designated visitor’s entrance, check in using electronic tablets to receive a guest pass, and undergo safety screenings that include metal detectors and x-ray machines.
These enhanced security measures apply to all visitors, including those attending meetings, news conferences, and other public events within the building. The implementation of these procedures aligns Government Plaza with security protocols in place at other government facilities across the state, ensuring a safer environment for employees and the public.
Mayor Tom Arceneaux emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, “Ensuring the safety of everyone who works in and visits Government Plaza is a top priority. These new security measures are a proactive step to create a safer and more secure environment for our employees, residents, and visitors. We appreciate the collaboration between city and parish leadership, as well as our law enforcement partners, in making this a reality.”
Caddo Parish Administrator/CEO Erica R. Bryant echoed this sentiment, saying, “The safety of all of our citizens and employees is one of our highest priorities. The Parish of Caddo’s partnership with the City of Shreveport and the Caddo Sheriff’s Office in implementing these enhanced protocols will strengthen the security for all who visit and work in Government Plaza.”
Sheriff Henry Whitehorn, Sr. highlighted the role of law enforcement in supporting these changes: “The Caddo Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the City of Shreveport and the Caddo Commission in adding new security measures and protocols to Government Plaza that will improve the safety of citizens and employees visiting and working in the building.”
Among the upgrades to security is a new parking garage door, which will further secure access to the facility. The total cost for all these new security enhancements is $158,000.
City and parish officials appreciate the public’s cooperation and patience as these new protocols are implemented. The safety of employees and visitors remains a top priority, and these measures reflect a shared commitment to maintaining a secure government facility.
For more information on the new security procedures at Government Plaza, please contact the City of Shreveport, the Parish of Caddo, or the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.
