SHREVEPORT STARTS DRUG TIP HOT LINE

Shreveport residents who know of drug problems in their neighborhoods have
a new, anonymous way to tell police.

The Shreveport Police Department has launched the drug hot line Residents
Against Pushers. The telephone number is 673-RAPS (7277).

The line will be staffed by narcotics agents between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
weekdays. Residents also can leave messages during nights and weekends.

If they wish, callers can leave their name and telephone number, and an
agent will contact them the next day.

Callers should give details of the type of criminal activity that is
occurring, when it is happening and the names, nicknames or descriptions of
the people involved. Police also ask callers to describe any vehicles involved.

"We hope people will use this hot line. ... Working together is the best
way the police and citizens can rid their communities of drugs," Police
Chief Jim Roberts said.

Last year, Shreveport police arrested 1,358 adults and 112 juveniles for
narcotics offenses. Of those, 288 were charged with selling or
manufacturing illegal drugs. Many of the arrests came following tips or
complaints by citizens, police spokeswoman Kacee Hargrave said.

To Call

The Shreveport Police Department's drug hot line, Residents Against
Pushers, can be reached by calling 673-RAPS (7277).