Union Parish Sheriff’S Office
Located in northeastern Louisiana, the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office plays a central role in maintaining law and order throughout the parish. With its headquarters in Farmerville, the Sheriff’s Office serves the citizens by enforcing state laws, providing detention facilities, responding to emergencies, and engaging in community outreach. Its responsibilities extend to both rural and urban areas, and the agency works closely with local, state, and federal partners to ensure public safety. As a vital arm of law enforcement in the region, the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office is essential in both reactive and preventive policing measures.
Leadership and Structure
The Sheriff
At the helm of the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office is the elected sheriff, who acts as the highest-ranking law enforcement official in the parish. The sheriff’s responsibilities include overseeing all departmental operations, managing personnel, directing criminal investigations, and representing the office at public and intergovernmental events. Sheriffs in Louisiana are elected officials and usually serve four-year terms. Their leadership significantly influences the priorities and performance of the department.
Chief Deputy and Division Heads
Supporting the sheriff is the chief deputy, who serves as the second-in-command. The chief deputy assists with administrative functions, supervises high-level operations, and ensures coordination among various divisions. Each operational unit, such as patrol, investigations, jail, and civil services, is overseen by experienced supervisors or captains who report directly to upper management.
Main Divisions of the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Division
The Patrol Division is the frontline of law enforcement. Deputies in this division are responsible for responding to emergency calls, conducting traffic stops, patrolling neighborhoods, and assisting the public. These uniformed officers often serve as the first point of contact for citizens and play a crucial role in community safety.
Criminal Investigations Division
This division is tasked with solving crimes ranging from theft and burglary to homicide and drug offenses. Investigators gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work closely with prosecutors to build solid cases. Their work is essential for maintaining justice and deterring repeat offenses within Union Parish.
Detention Division
The Union Parish Detention Center houses inmates who are awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences. The Detention Division oversees inmate management, facility operations, and compliance with state and federal regulations. This unit emphasizes both security and rehabilitation in managing those in custody.
Civil Division
The Civil Division handles legal processes such as serving court documents, executing evictions, managing property seizures, and enforcing court-ordered judgments. Deputies in this division often interact with the public in non-criminal matters and ensure that legal processes are carried out fairly and efficiently.
Narcotics and Special Operations
Union Parish Sheriff’s Office also includes specialized units that target drug trafficking, organized crime, and other serious threats. These units often work undercover or collaborate with state task forces to dismantle criminal networks that threaten local communities.
Community Engagement and Public Services
School Resource Officers
The Sheriff’s Office assigns deputies to local schools to act as School Resource Officers (SROs). These officers provide a visible security presence, mentor students, assist with conflict resolution, and support school administrators with safety plans. Their presence fosters trust between youth and law enforcement.
Neighborhood Watch and Outreach Programs
The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office supports community-based programs aimed at preventing crime and promoting cooperation. Through town hall meetings, citizen academies, and neighborhood watch initiatives, the department educates residents about crime prevention and encourages them to play an active role in their own safety.
Emergency Response and Disaster Assistance
In times of natural disasters, such as floods or hurricanes, the Sheriff’s Office plays a vital role in coordinating evacuations, providing rescue operations, and managing emergency shelters. These efforts are part of the department’s broader mission to serve and protect during both routine and extraordinary circumstances.
Technology and Modern Policing
Use of Body Cameras and Dash Cams
To promote transparency and accountability, deputies with the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office utilize body-worn cameras and dashboard-mounted cameras in patrol vehicles. These tools document interactions with the public and provide valuable evidence for investigations and court proceedings.
Digital Records and Crime Databases
The department maintains detailed electronic records, including arrest reports, incident logs, and warrants. Through partnerships with statewide databases, deputies can access up-to-date information on criminal histories, outstanding warrants, and missing persons, enhancing operational efficiency.
Online Services
Citizens can access many services online, including jail rosters, crime tip submissions, and requests for incident reports. This convenience allows the public to stay informed and engaged with the Sheriff’s Office without needing to visit in person.
Career Opportunities and Training
Law Enforcement Careers
The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office offers a variety of career paths for individuals interested in law enforcement. Positions include patrol deputies, detention officers, dispatchers, investigators, and administrative personnel. Each role requires specialized training and a commitment to public service.
Training and Continuing Education
All deputies undergo rigorous training at state-certified academies before they begin active duty. Continued education, including annual re-certification, use-of-force training, and legal updates, ensures that deputies remain effective and professional. Specialized units receive additional instruction based on their assignments.
Partnerships and Interagency Cooperation
State and Federal Agencies
The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office regularly collaborates with other agencies such as the Louisiana State Police, U.S. Marshals, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These partnerships enhance information sharing, strengthen task forces, and improve responses to large-scale incidents.
Local Government and Community Organizations
Cooperation with the Union Parish Police Jury, local schools, healthcare providers, and nonprofits allows the Sheriff’s Office to address issues such as mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness. These collaborations help reduce the burden on law enforcement by connecting individuals with the appropriate resources.
Accountability and Public Trust
Internal Affairs and Complaint Resolution
The Sheriff’s Office maintains an internal affairs unit to investigate complaints of misconduct or abuse of power. Citizens are encouraged to report any concerns, and all reports are taken seriously. Maintaining transparency and accountability is a key priority for the department.
Community Feedback
Feedback mechanisms, such as surveys and public meetings, help the Sheriff’s Office understand community expectations and evaluate performance. This openness builds trust and fosters mutual respect between law enforcement and the people they serve.
The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office is a cornerstone of public safety and community well-being in northeastern Louisiana. Through its dedicated personnel, diverse divisions, and commitment to transparency, it serves the people of Union Parish with professionalism and care. Whether it is through crime prevention, emergency response, or community engagement, the Sheriff’s Office strives to uphold the values of justice, accountability, and public trust. By continuously evolving and working closely with the public, the department ensures that Union Parish remains a safe and supportive place to live.
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