Police Chief Ben Raymond has stepped down as the city's police chief.
Mayor Adrian Perkins made the announcement late Thursday.
Perkins said he asked Raymond to step down on June 2 but gave him time to finish some law enforcement training he needed to finish and prepare the department for transition.
Raymond is taking leave through November then will return to SPD at the rank of sergeant.
Raymond said the decision to step down is in the best interest of the department and is "God's will for my life," Raymond said.
Perkins thanked Raymond for the decades of service to SPD and the "tireless work he has put in."
"We are experiencing an inexcusable surge of violent crime at this particular moment. My No. 1 priority is focusing on the future and making sure each and every citizen of Shreveport is as safe as possible," Perkins said. "The Police Department needs change. This is not a decision I've come upon lightly."
Assistant Chief Wayne Smith will be the substitute chief until a permanent replacement is named.