JDSO changes will prove beneficial to parish
This evening will mark a turning point in Jeff Davis Parish (JDP) history. After 20 years, we will welcome a new leader in the JDP Sheriff’s Office (JDSO) – Sheriff Ivy Woods.
Ricky Edwards has served as our sheriff since 1992 and during his 20 years in office, he and his administration carried out many admirable acts, not only as law enforcement officers, but also as everyday citizens. Now, Edwards is moving on to a position with the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association and several members of the JDSO will be moving on as well.
Such changes can be intimidating. After all, for 20 years, our parish was familiar with the same administration.
However, change can also be positive and it appears the JDSO has a very bright future.
Woods is an experienced and trusted law enforcement officer, coming from the Louisiana State Police (LSP) after more than two decades as a trooper. He brings with him two more former LSP members: new JDSO Chief Deputy Robert Broussard, a 28-year LSP veteran, and new JDSO Chief Investigator Chris Ivy. Woods, as well as Broussard and Ivy, all have years of supervisor experience under their belt. It’s safe to say they have seen their fair share of criminal cases. Still, even more experienced law enforcement officers will be joining Woods at the JDSO in a variety of positions.
While the combined law enforcement experience of the Woods administration will be an incredible asset to this parish, the people should certainly admire the character that will also be a part of the JDSO. One thing our new sheriff has promised, which the people of JDP have always asked for, is accountability. Not only does Woods plan to hold himself accountable, but he also intends to hold each person in his department accountable for the jobs they were hired to do.
But the success of the Woods administration also depends on the people of this parish. As any law enforcement officer will tell you, agencies cannot effectively address problems or prevent crimes without the cooperation and support of the public. Many of us have opinions on what tasks the new administration should conquer first. However, we must be patient and remember that few major changes take place overnight. We also have to remember that we are part of the change and need to support the efforts of local law enforcement. Working together, we will see results.
With that said, the Jennings Daily News (JDN) welcomes Sheriff Ivy Woods and each member of his administration to the JDSO. The public is excited about this new day in JDP, and quite frankly, so is the JDN.
Short URL: http://www.jenningsdailynews.net/?p=12094
Posted by Graphic Designer 2
on Jun 28 2012. Filed under Editorial Columns.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
