The Patrol Division of the Sheriff’s Office has four veteran Deputies that are assigned the Sterlington and Calhoun communities exclusively.
Corporal Brian Copeland, a 28-year veteran and Deputy Marcus Yarbrough, with 13 years’ experience are assigned the Sterlington community. Deputy Tommy Garrett, with 27 years of experience and Logan Parrish, a 11-year veteran are assigned to the Calhoun community. The Deputies rotate monthly shifts from days to days-evenings and work in addition to the 15 deputies assigned on each of the four patrol shifts.
These Deputies are highly visible in their assigned communities. Responding to calls for service is a big part of their responsibility, but they also make contact and acquaint themselves with the local businesses, patrol residential neighborhoods and monitor traffic safety. Working school zones, visiting schools and familiarizing themselves with the students and school staff is also a part of their job, along with any other assignments or duties deemed necessary.
We have found that having additional deputies assigned to these communities helps OPSO have an increased presence of marked patrols, decreased response times and a reduction in the overall crime in the area. If anyone has any information related to crimes in and around Ouachita Parish, please call 318-329-1200 or Crime Stoppers at 318-388-2274.
