Juvenile Probation and Parole

Juvenile probation and parole are under the Executive Branch, Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of Youth Development, Division of Youth Services.

In April 1998, Louisiana’s arming policy was instituted. It is mandatory for all juvenile probation and parole officers to carry a firearm in certain work related situations (i.e. arresting, curfew checks are a couple of examples). The officers are classified as peace officers but do not have the power to arrest or take into custody without a court order.

Psychological screening is part of the initial hiring process.

Officers complete Peace Officer Standards and Training. If an officer is not able to proficiently complete the training they are terminated from employment. Annual training and re-certification are required. Officers may carry a departmentally issued or personal firearm. A .357 caliber Smith & Wesson or a Glock 9mm are the types firearms that the department issues.

They may also be allowed to carry a personal firearm that is on the departmentally approved firearms list. Certified armorers inspect all firearms, departmentally issued and personal firearms, annually.
There are no private companies providing juvenile probation or parole supervision services.

Adult Probation and Parole

Within the Executive Branch of government, the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Division of Probation and Parole administers adult parole and adult probation services. The Division primarily supervises felons sentenced to hard labor in the Department of Corrections. Misdemeanants are supervised either by the district courts or by sheriffs’ departments in the state.

It is mandatory for all adult probation and parole officers to carry a firearm. They are classified as peace officers and do have the power to arrest. Louisiana’s firearm policy was instituted in the late 1970s.

Firearm education and training are centralized through the Probation and Parole Training Academy. All officers are required to proficiently complete the training. If an officer is unable to pass the training, they are not retained. Officers receive continuing education and practice sessions and it is mandatory that they re-qualify each year.

There is an approved list of firearms that includes .38 caliber, .40 caliber, .45 caliber, and 9mm. Firearms can be obtained in two ways. The firearm can be provided by the Department, or officers are permitted to purchase their own firearms using the approved list from which to choose. They are not able to purchase this at a reduced cost.

There are no private companies providing adult probation and parole supervision.

For updates or corrections to the information on this page, please contact: Diane Kincaid