Investigation Division

Major Jay Ellerman

Major Jay Ellerman has served the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office with distinction for more than three decades, building a career defined by leadership, investigative expertise, and tactical command.

He began his career with OPSO in November 1989 in the Communications Division under Sheriff Laymon Godwin, before transferring to the Uniform Patrol Division in 1990. From 1993 to 1996, Major Ellerman broadened his law enforcement experience while serving with the Lebanon Police Department in Lebanon, Tennessee.

In August 1996, he returned to OPSO, serving in the Uniform Patrol Division until 2000 when he was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to the Investigative Division under Sheriff Richard Fewell. From 2004 to 2008, he served in the Metro Narcotics Unit, where he was promoted to Lieutenant. In 2008, he advanced to the rank of Captain, returning to the Uniform Patrol Division as a night shift commander, and in 2010 was appointed Administrative Captain of the Patrol Division.

In 2011, Major Ellerman became Commander of the Metro Narcotics Unit, where he provided leadership and oversight for 12 years. In January 2023, he was promoted to his current position as Major of the Investigative Division, where he continues to serve with dedication.

In addition to his investigative and leadership roles, Major Ellerman served on the OPSO SWAT Team from 1997 to 2011, including 11 years as SWAT Commander. His tactical leadership and operational experience have been instrumental in enhancing public safety throughout the parish.

Major Ellerman is a graduate of Northeast Louisiana University (now the University of Louisiana at Monroe), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. He is also a graduate of the 259th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. 

Captain Paul Knight

Captain Paul Knight has dedicated more than two decades of service to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, building a career marked by leadership, investigative expertise, and specialized tactical experience.

He began his law enforcement career on July 1, 2000, as a deputy assigned to the Ouachita Correctional Center. In May 2001, he transferred to the Uniform Patrol Division, where he was promoted to Corporal and Field Training Officer in 2003. The following year, he was selected to serve on the Special Crimes Apprehension Team (SCAT).

On July 1, 2008, Captain Knight transferred to the Metro Narcotics Unit, where he was promoted to Sergeant. He served in narcotics enforcement until April 1, 2016, when Sheriff Jay Russell promoted him to Lieutenant in the Criminal Investigations Division (CID). On February 8, 2021, he advanced to his current rank of Captain in CID, where he serves under Sheriff Marc Mashaw. In addition to leading investigative operations, Captain Knight played a key role in the development and organization of the North Louisiana Sheriff’s Investigative Unit (NLSIU) and continues to serve as an active member.

Captain Knight also served on the OPSO SWAT Team from 2003 to 2011, further expanding his tactical and operational experience.

He is a graduate of the 73rd Session of the North Delta Regional Training Academy.