The Minden Police Department is undergoing a series of updates and improvements. “We’re beefing up our training as a department,” McIver said. The department’s enhanced training program includes advanced first-aid, tactical first-aid, CPR, defensive tactics, firearms, less-lethal tactics, driving training, and more.
“Our goal is to have in-house instructors for everything that we’re required to do, but also to do more advanced training,” McIver added. Police departments must certify and recertify officers in specific areas annually. “Training” is considered to be anything beyond what is required by the state. McIver emphasized the importance of training, stating, “We’re going to react to situations how we’re trained to do. The more we train, the more it becomes second nature.”
The department also has one officer starting academy training and another on the verge of graduation. Deputy Chief Tokia Harrison is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Shreveport Graduation Academy on August 2, offering words of encouragement to the graduating officers.
Facility improvements are also underway, including the expansion of the training room to accommodate more personnel. Additionally, the department is working on acquiring more vehicles, with the city council’s support playing a key role.
Chief McIver is addressing traffic safety concerns, particularly the high number of accidents on Homer Road. “We have too many wrecks on Homer Road,” McIver said, attributing the accidents to drivers running red lights and not paying attention. The most problematic areas are the five-way intersection by the library, in front of Brookshires, the Fincher Road intersection by Walgreens and CVS, and the area near Sonic. The department is collecting data to develop solutions to improve safety.
“We’re constantly looking at ways to improve safety around the city,” McIver said.