Transitional Work Program
The Ouachita Sheriff’s Office Transitional Work Program
Formerly known as Work Release, the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office operates the Transitional Work Program in partnership with and at the direction of the Louisiana Department of Corrections. Upon extensive research and approval, certain qualified offenders are given the opportunity to work and earn money for their use upon their release. These selected offenders must be non-violent and have an acceptable disciplinary record while incarcerated at their previous facilities. Unlike being funded by tax dollars while in local jails or penitentiaries, the offenders now earn money to pay for their incarceration while participating in the Transitional Work Program. The money earned by these offenders is also used to pay for court appointed child support, family support, and to make restitution or pay fines that would hinder their release.
he Transitional Work Program (TWP) provides all workers with transportation by commissioned deputies to and from their job. This ensures the employer that there will be an employee on the job each day, as scheduled.
There is a zero tolerance policy for alcohol and drug use within the program. Offenders are drug and alcohol tested daily and also subject to monthly random testing. Any employer experiencing a problem with an offender loafing, displaying abnormal behavior or not having the skills set for the required job, can notify the TWP staff and steps will be taken to correct the problem, including worker replacement, if necessary.
Women’s Transitional Work Program
Sheriff Russell continually reviews options for programs that ease the burden on taxpayers to operate OCC. One of the most successful programs is the Women’s Transitional Work Program (WTWP), which allows approved female inmates to work off-site for local businesses but are housed at OCC. This program allows the female inmates to earn money while serving their sentence to pay for their incarceration and decrease the recidivism rate once they are released.
Fidelity Bonding Program
The Transitional Work Program staff, upon an offenders hire, will complete and submit an application on the employer’s behalf for a six month, $5,000 free and no deductible Fidelity Bond. The Fidelity Bond provides the employer insurance to protect the employer against employee dishonesty. Coverage includes any type of theft, forgery or embezzlement.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit
A Work Opportunity Tax Credit of $2,400 is available to qualifying employers. To receive this Tax Credit the employer needs to work the offender a total or more than 400 hours in the calendar year. Contact our office and find out how it can benefit your business.
OPSO PREA Policy
The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office has a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual violence, sexual harassment, and/or sexual misconduct involving staff and those in our custody.
If you have information or believe a person under our custody has been subjected to conduct of this nature, please notify the OPSO PREA Coordinator at 318-324-2700, or you may report to the OPSO Criminal Investigations Division by calling 318-324-2650.