Shreveport Substation To Boost River Patrols

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office has opened a new substation on the Red River in Shreveport, with an eye to speeding up response to accidents on the water and to increasing river patrols.

Two of the parish's six boats are docked there, including a 25-foot safeboat which will be ready at all times.

The parish and city shared the $25,000 cost of a new roof, floor, paint, and conversion from a restaurant to office space. The restaurant closed in 2008 and was damaged by a tornado.

Sheriff Steve Prator says it can be used by all agencies, and the public can ask for directions there during festival season. He says that by summer, they hope to be issuing hunting and fishing licenses there.