DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson elected president of Louisiana Sheriffs' Association

MANSFIELD, La. — DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson has been elected president of the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association, assuming the organization's top leadership position and representing Louisiana's 64 elected sheriffs during the coming year.

Richardson's term began July 1. He was sworn into office in June during a ceremony in Mansfield, where 42nd Judicial District Court Judge Amy Burford McCartney administered the oath.

Richardson was elected president after serving four years on the association's Executive Board. He joined the board in 2021 and has held several leadership positions during his tenure.

In remarks to fellow sheriffs and deputies, Richardson reflected on the different paths that lead individuals into law enforcement while emphasizing the shared mission of the state's sheriffs.

"Every sheriff has a story. There are 64 sheriffs and 64 different 'whys,'" Richardson said. "What makes this association so special is that we have the privilege of walking beside one another, lockstep, as each of us pursues the purpose that first called us into this profession. What matters to one sheriff matters to all of us."

Richardson said the association provides opportunities for sheriffs to learn from one another, support colleagues and strengthen the office of sheriff while responding to the changing needs of their communities.

"Much of our role is simply being present in the conversations that shape safety and the future of our citizens," Richardson said. "Back home, our communities often look to us for far more than traditional law enforcement. People walk into our offices with problems that have nothing to do with crime because they simply don't know where else to turn. They come because, as sheriffs, we find answers, we solve problems and we help people."

Richardson also recognized previous generations of Louisiana sheriffs for building public trust in the office.

"That expectation did not happen overnight. It has been earned through nearly 150 years of Louisiana history," Richardson said. "May we never take that responsibility for granted. May we continue to protect this office that we have inherited and strengthen it for those who come after us."

The Louisiana Sheriffs' Association's annual training conference, held each July, brings together sheriffs and law enforcement leaders from across the state, including wardens, chiefs of criminal operations, narcotics commanders, civil deputies and other specialized personnel. The conference focuses on public safety issues, emerging technology, equipment and opportunities for agencies to share ideas and best practices.

Gov. Jeff Landry addressed attendees during the conference, discussing his administration's partnership with Louisiana sheriffs. According to the release, Landry pledged continued funding and resources to support sheriffs' offices, improve interoperability and strengthen emergency response efforts.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill also spoke at the conference and participated in a session focused on human trafficking and internet crimes against children. The session highlighted the partnership between the Attorney General's Office and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to combat human trafficking, identify predators and protect children across the state.

Other conference sessions covered risk management, community relations, public interactions during law enforcement encounters and planning for large public events, including Mardi Gras celebrations and sporting events.

Attendees also participated in an after-action review of the January 2026 winter storms in northeast Louisiana. Participants discussed lessons learned from the ice and snow event and explored ways to improve coordination, preparedness and response for future winter weather emergencies.

Richardson said he plans to visit sheriffs throughout Louisiana during his term as president to learn from their experiences and share successful practices.

"As president, I look forward to traveling across Louisiana, visiting with my fellow sheriffs and learning what is working in their parishes and regions of the state," Richardson said. "Every parish is different, and we can all benefit from the methods and experiences of other offices as we continue looking for better ways to serve our people and give our best effort each day."