Sheriff Jay Russell Begins Second Term As Ouachita Parish Sheriff

Sheriff Jay Russell begins serving his second term as Ouachita Parish Sheriff on July 1, 2016. The swearing-in ceremony for Sheriff Russell and Deputies was held June 28th at the Fair Park Baptist Church in West Monroe, LA.

 

 

 

 

During Russell’s administration, numerous advancements have been made to assure the Sheriff’s Office operates in a modern, efficient manner serving the citizens of Ouachita Parish. Technology software is continually updated to assure the most effective computer tools are used not only in criminal investigations, but in the Tax, Civil and OCC Divisions as well.

The Sheriff’s Office has begun a computer network-training program that will allow real-time data flow from the arrest through the payment of fines and cost. When complete, this will enhance the efficiency in handling cases in the criminal justice system.

The Uniform Patrol Division has added personnel and equipment to respond to calls for service from citizens in the most efficient manner available today. This includes the formation of specialized programs, such as the Business Watch Patrol and the Special Crimes Apprehension Team (SCAT), that focus on specific problems or areas.

School programs such as DARE, DMAC (Deputies Making a Change mentoring youth program), and School Resource Officers have been developed to work directly with our youth.

The Criminal Investigative Division has increased in size and training to assure investigators are able to use the most modern techniques available in crime clearance. Crime clearance rates in Ouachita Parish continue to rank much higher than the national average based on UCR reporting.

The Ouachita Correctional Center now operates without a deficit and has many programs in place offering training to those incarcerated to prepare them for the work force and cut down on recidivism, a huge problem with the corrections system nationwide.

“I feel very fortunate to have been selected by the citizens of Ouachita Parish to serve as their Sheriff for another four years” said Sheriff Russell. “All of us at the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office are blessed to live and work in a parish that has always supported law enforcement,” he added.

 

 

For more information contact

Glenn Springfield at glenn.springfield@opso.net

or 318-537-3366