Shreveport residents attend expo to start creating safer, more engaged communities

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Community members gathered Tuesday evening at downtown Shreveport’s RiverView Hall coming together for the Shreveport Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Expo.

“It is such a wonderful opportunity to promote ‘Neighborhood Watch’ and to showcase the resources that are available here immediately for everyone to help their neighborhood be safer,” said Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith. “Everyone can step forward and play a part in making their neighborhood safer.”

The free event gave residents a chance to learn how to start their own ‘Neighborhood Watch’ groups. Deshaylia Plater, SPD’s Neighborhood Assistance Team Supervisor, says it not a difficult process to undertake.

“Some concerned citizens on their block. A couple that would agree to be block captains,” said Plater. “We’ll set up a meeting. We’ll train them and we’ll get them started.”

Plater adds that she organized the expo to allow citizens to have all the information they to start a ‘Neighborhood Watch’ group in one spot.

“I wanted us to kind of do a little revamp,” she said. “Just have this event to bring everybody together to let the citizens know who all is here for them to support them for their neighborhood concerns.”

Plater says if you would like to start a group, you can contact her directly at 318-963-1291 or you can contact the Shreveport Police Department Neighborhood Assistance Team at 318-673-6950.