Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office 2023 Special Report
Dear Residents of Ascension Parish,
It is with immense pride and gratitude that I reflect on the remarkable achievements and advancements we have accomplished over the past year at the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office. Our commitment to serving and protecting this community remains unwavering, and I am delighted to share our successes with you in the 2023 Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Report.
We have maintained our steadfast adherence to the stringent standards set forth by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Our dedication to upholding these standards is a testament to our unwavering commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the pursuit of excellence in law enforcement.
In our ongoing effort to enhance community accessibility and engagement, we have completed a robust expansion of our District 1 Substation in Donaldsonville. With 24/7 access, we are able to bring our services closer to you, ensuring timely responses and fostering an environment of open communication. Your safety and peace of mind remainour top priorities, and this substation will serve as a valuable resource for our community.
The fight against the opioid epidemic and the deadly influence of fentanyl remains a paramount concern for us all. I assure you that our dedicated team is working tirelessly to curb the impact of these substances on our community. I am proud to say that we recently partnered with the Capital Area Human Services to supply each of our deputies with two Narcan dispensers that can provide immediate and life-saving medication to reverse an opioid overdose. We have also expanded our educational efforts, improved responseresources, and intensified enforcement to prevent the circulation of these dangerous drugs.
Finally, I would like to thank our deputies who stand ready to protect and serve. I am confident that our agency remains appropriately trained, adequately staffed, and highly capable of delivering the highest quality law enforcement service. It has been my greatest honor to serve as your sheriff. Together, we can continue to shape a brighter and safer future for Ascension Parish.
Thank you for taking the time to read our report and for your support of the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office.
In your service,
Sheriff Bobby Webre
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office enforces state laws, deters criminal activity, protects life and property, maintains order, and serves the citizens of Ascension Parish. Using innovative leadership and a dedication to providing quality service, the Sheriff’s Office will maximize the use of its resources to provide the highest quality service which will aid in improving the quality of life for the citizens of our parish.
The vision of the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office is to be perceived as the finest sheriff’s office in the state of Louisiana, to have sufficient resources to fulfill our mission, to have a highly competent workforce, for all citizens to believe we live in a safe community, and for all employees to feel they are a valued part of the organization and its success.
Serving 132,000+ residents
433 Employees
Divisions & Units
Read more about each division & Unit in the full report here.
Vehicles
Major Achievements
EXPANDED THE SCHOOL SECURITY PROGRAM IN ASCENSION PARISH
REMAINED IN GOOD STANDING WITH THE COMMISSION OF
ACCREDITATION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES (CALEA)
SECURED A GRANT TO PROVIDE PATROL DEPUTIES WITH NARCAN DISPENSERS FOR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TO ONGOING OPIOID EPIDEMIC
EXPANDED TO LOCATION FOR DISTRICT 1 HEADQUARTERS IN
DONALDSONVILLE TO BETTER SERVE residents on the west bank
In 2022, Sheriff Webre and team worked to expand operations on Ascension Parish’s west bank, including partnering with Clerk of Court Bridget Hanna who donated a portion of her office space in Donaldsonville to serve as a new District 1 substation. This space was renovated and is now operational, serving Ascension Parish’s west bank residents 24/7.
The patrol division operates across our three patrol districts, covering all unincorporated areas of Ascension Parish, the Town of Sorrento, and the City of Donaldsonville. Our patrol districts are lead by their respective district commanders which has greatly improved deputy response time and enhanced accountability within each area of our parish.
The mission of the Criminal Investigation Division is to serve and protect the community through professional, impartial investigation of crimes and violent activity. To guarantee the most efficient response, our Criminal Investigations Division is divided into five units:
A specialized law enforcement team dedicated to investigating and addressing serious and often violent criminal offenses such as homicides, armed robberies, and aggravated assaults. This unit comprises experienced detectives who employ various investigative techniques, forensic analysis, and collaboration with other agencies to solve and prevent violent crimes, ultimately working to ensure the safety and well-being of the community they serve.
This team of carefully selected detectives focuses on investigating crimes related to theft, burglary, vandalism, and property damage. Detectives in this unit employ their expertise in evidence collection, surveillance, and analysis to solve cases involving stolen property, break-ins, and acts of property related vandalism. Their efforts aim to recover stolen assets, bring perpetrators to justice, and safeguard the property rights of residents in Ascension Parish.
Highly trained detectives within this unit are tasked with combating drug-related crimes, trafficking, and illegal drug distribution. They often work undercover, conduct surveillance, and execute search warrants to target individuals and organizations involved in the illegal drug trade. Their mission is to disrupt drug operations, seize illicit substances, and reduce the impact of narcotics on communities while focusing on drug prevention and public safety.
This unit plays a crucial role in addressing a wide range of juvenile-related crimes and protecting minors from victimization. This specialized team is also comprised of school security officers that work closely Ascension Public Schools to create a safe environment within educational institutions. Their objectives are to prevent, investigate, and address both juvenile offenses and crimes against juveniles, ensuring the safety and well-being of young individuals while promoting a positive and secure learning environment in schools.
A specialized unit that provides critical support to investigators and detectives in solving complex cases. This unit is responsible for collecting, extracting, summarizing, analyzing, and disseminating criminal intelligence data gathered from a variety of sources. Their expertise and resources enhance the investigative process, aiding in the resolution of challenging cases ranging from homicides to cybercrimes.
The APSO 911 Dispatch Center serves as a vital communication hub for Ascension Parish. Our highly trained dispatchers answer emergency and non-emergency calls for all communities and municipalities within the parish while dispatching law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS. These professionals receive extensive training and hold multiple certifications in emergency communications.
The APSO dispatch team began teaching an emergency telecommunications course in Ascension Public Schools for juniors and seniors. The class helps educate younger generations on public service, opportunities to prepare for essential careers, and general communication skills, including communicating under pressure, making decisions, and problem-solving. In addition, the course teaches situational and self-awareness and how to handle stress. Course graduates will obtain a certificate in the basics of emergency telecommunications and 911 dispatch, which can help them with a future career in the field.
In 2022, 78 Ascension Public School students were certified in the program.
Beyond the immediate necessity of incarceration, the jail recognizes the importance of rehabilitation in breaking the cycle of crime. By offering programs such as parenting and GED classes to inmates, it invests in their personal growth and skills development. These initiatives not only improve the prospects of those incarcerated but reduce the likelihood of reoffending upon release. Ultimately, the Ascension Parish Jail not only serves as a place of confinement but as a vehicle for transformative change, contributing to the safety and well-being of our community by helping individuals reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens.
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office’s Hickley M. Waguespack Center stands as a beacon of unity and positive transformation within our community.
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Explorers Program is a free program to parish residents tailored for youths aged 14-18, providing a unique gateway to training and hands-on experience in fundamental law enforcement practices.
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office’s Hickley M. Waguespack Center stands as a beacon of unity and positive transformation within our community.
Security in our schools has always been a top priority for the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, and each year, our team works diligently to ensure our students are safe when they attend a school in Ascension Parish.
For more information on available positions or
questions, please contact:
SGT. Heather Bagala
Recruitment
(225) 264-6766
hbagala@ascensionsheriff.com
Text: 847411
Call: (225) 621-4636
344-STOP (7867)
Dial 988