L’Observateur / July 5, 2000

LAPLACE – Telling a crowd of parish officials and a formation of deputies, “I look forward to doing even better in the next four years,” St. John ParishSheriff Wayne L. Jones was sworn in for his second term Friday morning.In a half-hour ceremony in front of the Sherman R. Walker CorrectionalCenter in LaPlace, Jones told the audience he is happy with the progress of the sheriff’s office during the past four years.

“We started with 150 officers,” Jones said, “and now we have 215 employees, and in five years I hope to have at least 250 more officers. Weare growing with the community.”He said that because of the federal program called Universal Hiring he was able to put 23 additional officers out on the street. Because of the extramanpower the sheriff’s office now has a complete K-9 department and an improved narcotics department.

“Our drug arrests are up 35 percent,” Jones said, “and we are sending more repeat offenders to jail than ever before.”Jones also pointed out that because of Lt. Mike Hoover, St. John Parish hasone of the best D.A.R.E. programs in the state. He also cited the success ofhis Inmate Work Program.

Jones also thanked his chief deputy, Harold Kliebert, for all his hard work and dedication. He also thanked former Sheriff Lloyd Johnson, who was inattendance at the ceremony.

“He gave me my start in law enforcement,” said Jones.

Addressing his deputies, Jones said, “I’ve always backed up my personnel. All Iask in return is that all officers be courteous and professional all the times.

This is a 24/7 job, and to be effective courtesy and professionalism are key.”Appellate Judge Thomas Daley then swore in Jones, followed by Kliebert.

Kliebert then brought the detectives to attention, and they were all sworn in by Judge Daley.

At the end of the ceremony Jones said, “I look forward to a productive and successful four years.”

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