The Natchitoches City Council unanimously approved the purchase of property at 408 Fifth Street for $195,000 during its Oct. 12 meeting, paving the way for a permanent location for the Natchitoches Police Department’s detective division.

The council adopted Ordinance No. 035 of 2026, authorizing the acquisition of the property, located directly across the street from the Natchitoches Police Department.

City officials explained that the department has been seeking a more suitable location for its detectives, who currently operate from a facility on Culpepper Lane. The existing location presents limitations that prevent the department from installing specialized investigative equipment and making necessary modifications to accommodate modern law enforcement technology.

Police department leadership said the current facility cannot be adequately modified to support certain investigative operations, including the installation of equipment used during interviews and criminal investigations.

The newly acquired property will provide an opportunity to develop a facility specifically designed around the detective division’s needs, including office spaces, interview rooms, and areas for specialized equipment.

Officials noted that the building’s interior is currently an open space, allowing the department to plan and configure the layout to meet its operational requirements.

In addition to providing improved facilities, the location will place detectives directly across the street from the main police station, making it easier for residents to follow up on reports, speak with investigators, and address matters requiring assistance from the detective division.

Funding for the $195,000 purchase will come from an existing tax dedicated to police department improvements. City officials said the tax has been in place for approximately 30 years and was originally intended to support upgrades to the department’s facilities and other capital assets.

While the purchase has been approved, officials indicated that additional planning and design work will be necessary before renovations can begin. The open interior will allow the department to develop a floor plan that accommodates both current investigative needs and future technology.

The property acquisition represents another step toward improving the Natchitoches Police Department’s facilities and consolidating its operations near the main police station.