SBSO DEPUTIES SUPPORT SAFETY AND SUCCESS IN SCHOOLS With the 2025-26 school year underway, the St

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SBSO DEPUTIES SUPPORT SAFETY AND SUCCESS IN SCHOOLS

With the 2025-26 school year underway, the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is proud to recognize the important role its deputies play in keeping parish schools safe and conducive to learning, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

From School Resource Officers to D.A.R.E. instructors and investigative liaisons, deputies serve as protectors, mentors and role models, working hand-in-hand with school administrators, teachers and families to ensure campuses remain safe environments where students can thrive.

“Whether they’re building relationships with students, teaching lessons about making smart choices, or responding to concerns on campus, their presence sends a powerful message: we are here to protect and support you,” the Sheriff said.

Col. Daniel Bostic Jr., commander of the Special Investigations Division who oversees the deputies working in school settings, said having the SROs assigned to Chalmette High and C.F. Rowley Alternative schools provide much more than a visible security presence.

“Their role isn’t just about enforcing rules, it’s also about showing students that law enforcement can be a source of support and guidance,” Col. Bostic said. “They help students feel seen, heard and safe, and that kind of trust can make all the difference.”

SROs work closely with school faculty and staff to prevent issues before they arise, respond quickly to incidents, and build strong, supportive relationships with students.

This year’s SROs stationed at CHS include Lt. Marco Spicuzza, Dep. Jamie Lovas and Dep. Colin O’Brien, and Rowley’s SROs are Sgt. Henry Senez and Dep. Jamie Penton.

In addition to the SROs, the Sheriff’s Office also has deputies assigned to handle truancy and residency issues for the School System.

Dep. Keith Lutz monitors student attendance, working with families and school officials to address chronic absenteeism, while also providing support to CHS SROs on campus as needed. Investigator Richard Jackson conducts student residency checks to ensure enrollment requirements are met.

Also, D.A.R.E. officers Capt. Lisa Jackson and Sgt. Brandon Lewis will continue their Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, teaching parish fifth-graders how to resist drugs, alcohol, violence and bullying, while encouraging responsible decision-making and self-confidence.

Another key figure in school safety is Lt. Michelle Canepa, the department’s liaison investigator who serves as the lead detective for any incidents that occur on school campuses.

“In addition to investigations, Lt. Canepa also builds relationships with students and works with parents, staff and administrators to provide safety education and prevention resources throughout the year,” Col. Bostic said.

Sheriff Pohlmann said the partnership between our deputies, educators, parents and students is key to a safe, successful school year.

“As the first week of school wraps up, we appreciate everyone’s patience as new routines settle in,” the Sheriff said. “We all share the same goal – keeping our children safe so they can learn and thrive.”
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