After a little over 90 days on the job, Winn Parish Sheriff Josh McAllister reported to Winnfield’s Rotary Club members on changes made in his office at the request of Rotarian of the Day, Thomas Little, at the meeting of October 2.

McAllister reported that patrols have increased by at least 300%, as they have been able to put more vehicles in the fleet with donations from other sheriffs and by getting legislative funds for new administrative vehicles. Sheriffs of other parishes across the state have donated radios and protective vests, and local businesses have donated vests.

With a team of investigators McAllister described as ”great,” the office has solved every crime reported to it since taking office except one. They have been able to move more deputies into the narcotics division and engage in a cooperative endeavor targeting drug traffic with LaSalle and Grant Parishes. His office also has a deputy serving as resource office in every school in the parish.

McAllister told the group his chief deputy is retired State Trooper Mike Gilliam, the lead investigator is Gregg Davies, along with David Loftin, Danny Green and Andy Roberts. Tommy Sikes is his head of training and his main assistant for all day-to-day affairs. His civil deputies are JoAnn Martin and Kelley Holmes.

McAllister says the biggest problem he has confronted is illegal drugs, and his office has been able to devote more resources to working on this issue. His office is also working on a solution to the animal control problem in the parish outside Winnfield city limits, but he cautions that a long-term solution will take more time.

Sheriff McAllister encourages everyone to call the Sheriff’s Office if your vehicle breaks down and you are stranded on the side of the road, request a patrol by your house if you are going to be out of town, or for any other reason you need assistance his office can provide. He did joke, however, that you should call your plumber first if your toilet backs up, for he and his staff have no plumbing experience!