Council debates options after police operation finds RV used for illegal activity in Highland neighborhood

Shreveport City Council members discussed follow-up steps after a police operation in the Highland neighborhood that led officers to arrest seven people and identified a motor home repeatedly used for illegal activity on private property.

Police officials said about 30% of incidents reported in the operation came from the Highland area, which is why the department began concentrated enforcement there. The department also reported Hope Connections — a local outreach organization — was at the site offering services during the operation.

The discussion focused on what the city can do about the motor home. A police official said the vehicle could not be impounded because it was on private property. That official also relayed an email from a property-standards officer quoting the owner: "I am not gonna spend $1,500 to get it out of my backyard." City counsel later said criminal charges could be pursued against a property owner who facilitates criminal activity on their property, adding that the attorney's office would review applicable state laws and that the council could ask staff to draft an ordinance if needed.

Councilman Butcher said criminal arrests do not solve the underlying problem of people who have no stable place to live. "They're gonna get out, then they're gonna go right back into that same property because it's like a home to them," he said, calling for stronger enforcement tools and wraparound services. Police leaders acknowledged Hope Connections and outreach efforts were present during the operation but said many people decline offers of services.

Officials and councilmembers discussed noncriminal tools as well, including property-standards enforcement already applied to the site; staff said a property-standards tag had been placed and that 14 days had passed since the tag. Council members asked whether the city can board houses or otherwise secure a property at the owner's expense; city staff said the city can charge owners but often has difficulty recovering costs. The attorney's office suggested it could examine state law to determine whether criminal citations against owners are available and, if not, draft an ordinance to create additional enforcement authority.

Participants also discussed deterrence and monitoring: officials said bicycle units helped concentrate enforcement in the neighborhood, and a councilmember proposed placing camera trailers after operations as a deterrent. Police noted towing a large RV would require a heavy-impound tow and associated fees.

The council asked for follow-up from city staff and the attorney's office on possible legal options, collection of any owner charges, and continued coordination with outreach providers. No formal vote or ordinance was adopted during the discussion.