Uniform Patrol Division
Major Anthony Washington
Administrative Captain Chris Tolbird
Major Anthony Washington has dedicated nearly three decades of service to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, building a distinguished career marked by leadership, professionalism, and commitment to public safety.
He began his career in 1995 in Corrections at the Ouachita Parish Jail before transferring to the Uniform Patrol Division in 1996. In 1998, he became a Canine Handler, serving for ten years with two dual-purpose police dogs. His expertise and dedication led him to the Investigations Division in 2008, where he served until 2012.
Promoted to Lieutenant in 2012, Major Washington returned to the Uniform Patrol Division as a shift commander. In 2017, he advanced to the rank of Captain, leading the night shift with distinction before transitioning in 2020 to serve as day shift Commander. In 2023, he was appointed Administrative Captain of the Uniform Patrol Division, and in 2024, he achieved his current rank of Major, where he now oversees all operations of the Uniform Patrol Division.
Major Washington is a 1991 graduate of Grambling State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He is also a graduate of the 52nd North Delta Regional Training Academy and the prestigious 294th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Captain Chris Tolbird began his law enforcement career in September 1998 at the Ouachita Correctional Center. In 1999, he graduated from the 66th session of the North Delta Training Academy and transferred to the Uniform Patrol Division in July 2000, where he has served continuously.
Throughout his tenure in the Patrol Division, Captain Tolbird advanced through the ranks, being promoted to Corporal in 2002, Sergeant in 2004, Lieutenant in 2012, and Captain in 2020. He has also been a dedicated member of the Honor Guard since 2000 and served on the Special Crimes Apprehension Team from 2006 to 2008.
In 2005, Captain Tolbird earned his POST Instructor Certification and served as an instructor at the North Delta Training Academy until 2022. His instructional specialties included physical fitness, rappelling, and active shooter response. In recognition of his exemplary service and professionalism, he was awarded the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association Deputy of the Year Award in 2021.
In December 2025, Captain Tolbird was promoted to Administrative Captain within the Patrol Division. He has been a member of the OPSO SWAT Team since 2001 and has served as SWAT Team Commander since 2021.
Prior to his law enforcement career, Captain Tolbird honorably served six years in the United States Army National Guard.
The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office Uniform Patrol Division operates under the leadership of Major Anthony Washington and Administrative Captain Chris Tolbird.
This division serves as the frontline of public safety, providing visible law enforcement presence and rapid response across Ouachita Parish.
The division is comprised of 125 deputies, representing a combined 1,060 years of law enforcement experience. It operates a fleet of 80 patrol units, including 60 take-home vehicles and 20 pool units, ensuring consistent coverage and operational readiness.
The Uniform Patrol Division includes:
Patrol Deputies
School Resource Officers
Truancy Deputies
Communications Personnel
K-9 Deputies
Special Crimes Apprehension Team (SCAT)
Street patrol deputies are organized into four shifts, with approximately 17 deputies assigned per shift. Three K-9 officers are assigned to night shifts to enhance detection capabilities and officer safety during high-risk operations.
Patrol deputies provide 24/7 service, proactively patrolling the parish and responding to calls for service. On average, deputies handle approximately 1,597 calls for service each week. The division also maintains a full-time Desk Sergeant to assist with walk-in complaints and address matters that cannot be resolved by phone.
Through experience, training, and constant availability, the Uniform Patrol Division remains committed to protecting the citizens of Ouachita Parish around the clock.
