OPELOUSAS, La. (KATC) — St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz has announced several changes affecting visitation to jails and the inmate population in St. Landry Parish.
"As you are aware, the risk of health complications due to Covid-19, known as Coronavirus, continues to escalate," Guidroz said in a press release. "These risks have created an urgent situation in our parish jail that necessitates extra care and concern for the safety of our offenders, staff and the public at large. My visitation suspension also covers the 39 inmates we have housed in three (3) parish facilities across the state."
Guidroz then announced that he has suspended department of corrections inmate transfers, parish jail prayer services, outside fingerprint requests and inmate work release programs where trustees are conditionally employed, and where they were assigned to assist at public events effective immediately.
However, medical transfers that are absolutely necessary will continue.
According to the release, inmate pickups for offenders with outstanding warrants are being completed on a case by case basis. Offender court proceedings (magistrate hearings) are being restricted to tele-court over a camera and monitor.
All pre-scheduled criminal court days will proceed on a normal previously set schedule.
The only difference will be that the judges will restrict the number of people allowed in court before, during and after the proceeding.
Tax and civil matters at the sheriff's complex may continue due to the extra protection installed at the counter facilities in the tax building.
The sheriff also stated that he found it necessary to cancel ourthe March 18 TRIAD that was scheduled to be at the Arnaudville little flower auditorium in an effort to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus.
Walk-ins for criminal complaints can be taken at the complex, however, the sheriff says he encourages the public to call in if the matter can be addressed by telephone at (337) 948-6516.
Guidroz adds that his office is taking every precaution to protect the public, staff and offenders by keeping all persons separated, monitored and having all areas continuously cleaned and sanitized throughout the day.
For any questions concerning the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s operations during the pandemic, call Sheriff Bobby Guidroz at (337) 948-5801.