Salute the Badge: A candid conversation with SPD Chief Wayne Smith

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—He heads one of the region’s largest and most active police forces, and under his leadership, crime has decreased in the City of Shreveport.

We candidly talked with Police Chief Wayne Smith about his methods and background.

“I know under your leadership and administration, there has been a difference in the crime stats, shootings, and homicides. Tell us where we are as far as crime goes in the City of Shreveport,” Alexandra Meachum said.

“Things are heading in a positive direction. We are hopeful that crime continues to decrease, and the need for us to respond also goes down. I’m happy to report that major crimes are heading in the right direction,” Chief Smith said.

In his latest briefing to the Shreveport City Council, Chief Smith reports that violent crimes are down 44% in the City, with a significant reduction in shots fired calls and homicides from 2021 to 2025.

“In your experience in law enforcement, has technology been one of the missing aspects in the city?” Meachum asked.

“It really has. There’s so much benefit to embracing technology, and it’s constantly evolving,” Chief Smith said.

Smith said 2,100 cameras are now connected to the Real Time Crime Center, and SPD is rolling out mobile camera trailers and license plate readers. He thanks the city council and Mayor Tom Arceneaux for helping support SPD’s transition into technology, along with a younger force.

“We have a younger core of police officers who understand and embrace new and current trends, and we’re moving in a wonderful direction,” Smith said.

Smith shared insight into his department’s community policing strategies during the in-depth interview at the new substation soon to be constructed for the Cedar Grove neighborhood. The substation will be next to a SporTran bus stop and a public playground in Cedar Grove Park. Smith said they are working with the developer to utilize the football and baseball fields and the substation to revitalize this area of Cedar Grove.

“How do you think this is going to help build public trust between police and the community?” Meachum asked.

“Hopefully, it will have the opportunity for greater interaction with police when you don’t need us. Now we’ll be in your community and look forward to coming to your neighborhood association meetings. We want this to not only be a substation but a community place,” Smith said.

Smith is using his 45 years of law enforcement experience to make a difference in Shreveport. He progressed through all the ranks, working in every department and patrolling every area of the City.

“I’ve seen our city in its best of times and its most challenging times,” Smith said.

Smith is originally from Coushatta, moved to Shreveport about 45 years ago, and received his education from Centenary College.

“What do you do in your spare time when you’re able to have it, and tell us about your family?” Meachum inquired.

“I’ve been married for 40 years. I have three grown children. One is a fireman, one is a nurse practitioner, and the other is a computer network engineer. All of them live locally. I have five grandchildren. Everyone is local. For me, time that I’m not at SPD is time with my family,” Smith replied.

The chief is also a strong advocate of Christian values. He has been a member of Sunrise Baptist Church for more than 40 years and currently serves as a deacon there.

“So over the course of your career, I know you’ve witnessed some of the darkest parts of humanity,” Meachum said. “I have, yes,” Smith replied.

“What moments have stayed with you over the years that you wouldn’t mind sharing with us?” Meachum asked.

“Probably the ultimate sacrifice of someone being murdered, being killed. An innocent person who had nothing to do with an incident but happened to get caught in the crossfire and become an innocent victim. A child who has so much potential and a great life ahead of them, but gets cut short by violence. Each time I witness an incident like that, it makes me push even harder because I feel somewhat responsible, being the head of this organization. When someone else hurts, I feel as though I have not done enough. I need to work harder. I need to find better solutions. I let that person down, and it’s my fault. That hurts. When others hurt, I hurt,” Smith responded.

Smith explains what he tells incoming officers to expect from the job, with compassion as the core principle.

“Your reward at the end of the day should be a smile knowing you have made someone else’s day better. You may have helped someone who may have been going through the worst day of their life.”

“It’s an occupation where you have to be dedicated to the cause, where you have to put the welfare and safety of others before self,” Smith said.