Shreveport reports dozens of squatting calls since April and more than a dozen convictions under new ordinance

Chief Smith and other department officials updated the Public Safety Committee on enforcement of the city’s new squatting ordinance. The department said it received 63 squatting‑related calls since April 3, made over 20 arrests and that 12 defendants had so far been found guilty and served an average of 20–30 days; another speaker reported 17 convictions by guilty plea or no contest.

Attorney Edwards clarified the charge for convicted defendants is the city’s squatter ordinance, identified in committee discussion as section 38‑11: “It’s actually the squatter's law. And that ordinance that you all passed, 38 11,” he said. The item was discussed in the context of a homeowner complaint on Fairfield; Chief Smith said officers had been re‑trained after one misinformed response to that homeowner.

Officials said outcomes have included guilty pleas, jail time (credit served in some cases), fines and court‑ordered programs. Staff said several cases are pending and that court processing continues.

Committee members and staff emphasized the need for clear guidance to officers responding to complaints so homeowners are not incorrectly told to “hire an attorney” as a first step. Chief Smith said training and roll‑call briefings were underway to ensure officers are familiar with the ordinance and appropriate response steps.

No new ordinance language was adopted at the meeting; officials described enforcement activity and court dispositions to date.