Shreveport council withdraws cooperative‑endeavor plan for domestic violence center after debate

The Shreveport City Council voted to withdraw a proposed cooperative‑endeavor agreement intended to fund and operate a comprehensive domestic‑violence service center after a statement from the Caddo Parish sheriff that his office would continue the project without city financial support.

Sheriff Whitehorn (statement read into the record) said the sheriff’s office would proceed with its original plan for a domestic‑violence unit without city funds but reiterated a commitment to collaboration with the Shreveport Police Department and regional partners to ensure victims receive services. In light of that statement, the council moved to withdraw the item.

Council reaction was urgent and emphatic. Several councilmembers praised Sheriff Whitehorn’s plan and urged the city to keep working to ensure victim services and coordination. “We can’t let this stop here,” Councilman Ber said, calling for continued collaboration; other members warned the city faces an imminent risk of further domestic‑violence deaths without stronger, coordinated services.

What the withdrawal means: The withdrawal removed the CEA from the agenda; it did not end the council’s interest in domestic‑violence services. Multiple members asked that the mayor, police chief, sheriff and community partners continue to collaborate on a service model and that the council convene follow‑up meetings to develop a plan the community can support.

Next steps: Councilmembers proposed an interagency workgroup or committee to refine service delivery, funding options and enforcement mechanisms. The council asked staff and community partners to reconvene, share findings, and present a new, consensus approach that centers victim safety and service continuity.

The council recorded the withdrawal and pledged to pursue alternate paths to ensure victims receive timely services; members emphasized the work would continue outside the original CEA framework.