SPD swat training

SHREVEPORT, La. — A multi-million dollar request for new police equipment from law enforcement agencies in Caddo Parish is on hold while Caddo commissioners wait on more information before deciding how much each agency will get.

The Caddo Commission's Public Safety Committee on Thursday hit pause on the requests that total $2.8 million.

Committee members voted to seek more financial information from 12 agencies before making a recommendation on how to distribute the money.

The City of Shreveport's request includes tactical equipment like an armored vehicle, body armor and ballistic shields. Smaller towns are seeking basic needs such as used patrol cars and traffic trailers.

With parish funds set to expire at the end of the year, commissioners are debating where to draw the line.

"We want to make sure that these municipalities are fiscally responsible and that they're not just carving cash out of our barrel, and we're filling in the gap," said Caddo Parish Commissioner Kris Kracman.

Police Chief Wayne Smith told commissioners that newer rifle rounds can pierce bulletproof vests and that the current fleet is aging fast.

Some of the smaller police departments are pleading for even basic used vehicles.

But commissioners want hard numbers before they commit any money.