Shreveport Council Approves Police, Fire Pay Raise

The raise takes effect in December and raises starting pay for police officers after academy graduation to $52,000.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Shreveport Council Approves Police, Fire Pay Raise

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Should your city raise police pay to attract better officers?

The Shreveport City Council voted to give the Shreveport Police Department and Fire Department a pay raise, which takes effect in December. The starting base salary for a police officer after academy graduation is $52,000.

Why it matters

The raise is intended to attract quality talent and draw new recruits who previously did not consider law enforcement or fire service. It is aimed at strengthening staffing for both departments in Shreveport.

Starting police officers receive a $52,000 base salary after academy graduation, with a $1,200 yearly retention bonus and incentives for physical fitness and firearms proficiency. The extraction does not specify the prior pay levels or the total budgetary cost of the increase.

The players

Shreveport City Council

The elected legislative body of the city of Shreveport, Louisiana, which voted to approve the pay raise for city public safety employees.

Shreveport Police Department

The municipal police agency serving Shreveport, Louisiana, which will see increased starting base pay for newly graduated officers.

Shreveport Fire Department

The municipal fire agency serving Shreveport, Louisiana, which is covered by the same pay raise approved by the city council.

The details

Compensation rises with experience and education, and a police officer with one or two years of service can earn upwards of $62,000. Both the police and fire departments also benefit from a pension plan, and interested applicants can apply at ShreveportPDcareers.com.

The pay raise takes effect in December.

Legal Context

Cities facing recruitment shortfalls in law enforcement have increasingly adjusted starting pay and retention incentives to compete for applicants. Shreveport's package of base salary, bonuses, and pension benefits follows that pattern of tying compensation to experience and education.

Residents interested in careers in public safety can apply for Shreveport police positions through ShreveportPDcareers.com. The higher starting pay and bonuses could affect staffing levels in the departments that serve the city.

The takeaway

Competitive pay, bonuses, and a pension plan are the main levers the city is using to recruit police and fire personnel. Prospective applicants should review the full compensation structure at the official careers site before deciding.