The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to expand its efforts to enhance public safety, strengthen community partnerships and modernize operations under the leadership of Sheriff Josh McAllister.
To improve response times and increase visibility, the office has added additional deputies, providing a minimum of three per shift. Six deputies recently graduated from the P.O.S.T. academy, and ongoing training continues for all deputies and investigators to maintain professionalism and readiness.
Every public school in Winn Parish now has a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO). Two deputies are now certified as DARE instructors, and several others are completing P.O.S.T. SRO certification. Deputies also regularly attend games and school activities to build relationships with students and staff.
The Sheriff’s Office has launched an Elderly Check Program in partnership with two local pastors to check on senior residents. A phone call system provides regular contact and welfare checks. Residents can sign up for the program through the Sheriff’s Office app or by calling the office.
To keep residents informed, the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office relies on its mobile app and social media accounts. Through the app, residents get news, events and weather alerts and can submit patrol requests, tips, complaints or concerns directly to the office.
Through a state grant, the Sheriff’s Office acquired a litter truck for parish-wide cleanups. Litter patrols are conducted regularly using trustees from the Winn Detention Center to help keep roadways and communities clean.
The parish animal shelter at the Winn Detention Center is in its final stages, with kennels installed and utility connections being completed. Stray animals will be cared for by trustees under staff supervision.
A Narcotics Task Force has been implemented, and detectives are making progress in removing drugs from local streets. The office is working with neighboring parishes through cooperative agreements to combat drug trafficking across parish lines.
McAllister’s administration maintains an open-door policy, encouraging citizens to visit, call or text with any concerns, compliments or complaints. The sheriff and his staff respond personally and aim to handle every matter legally, fairly and compassionately.
The office previously averaged about 2,000 calls per year. In 2025, that number has more than doubled to more than 4,800 calls, reflecting what McAllister describes as “increased community trust and proactive policing.”
Those calls include incidents such as murders, shootings, aggravated assaults, juvenile matters, vehicle crashes, narcotics arrests, domestic abuse, DWIs, trespassing and animal-related issues.
Sheriff McAllister pledged that the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office will continue to respond swiftly and professionally, treat all citizens with respect and fairness, and remain open and accessible to help keep Winn Parish safe for families.