Henry L. Whitehorn Sr. took the oath of office of Caddo Sheriff on Monday, July 1 at a 5 p.m. ceremony at the Shreveport Convention Center. Approximately 1,000 citizens attended the ceremony.
Whitehorn announced his Command Staff on Friday, June 28: Chief Deputy Rickey Farris, Assistant Chief Deputy of Enforcement/Investigations Jacqueline Winston, Assistant Chief Deputy of District Court Operations James L. Matthews III, Assistant Chief Deputy of Detention Disha K. Darby, and Director of Human Resources Peter Williams. All of his Command Staff assume their positions today with the exception of Peter Williams who will start his service on August 1.
All of this deputy appointments have extensive law enforcement experience. Farris joined the Sheriff’s office in 1991, Winston has 29 years in law enforcement, Matthews has over 30 years in many law enforcement positions, and Darby has 25 years of service with the Sheriff's Office. Williams has more than 30 years of experience in labor relations and human resources.
Whitehorn was sworn in as a Caddo deputy on May 1. Since that time, he has attended a week long "sheriff's school" and he has spent extensive time reviewing the Sheriff's budget, management staff and office responsibilities. These break down into three basic areas: parish ad valorem tax collector, management of Caddo Correctional Center (CCC), and parish law enforcement.
Whitehorn immediately faces two challenges--short staffing and overcrowding at CCC. At last count there was over 50 unfilled deputy staff positions and the loss of many deputies with extensive experience that have retired. CCC was designed for approximately 1,200 inmates and current inmate count is approximately 1,500. One inmate has been incarcerated at CCC for almost five years awaiting trial.
Whitehorn has good relationships with Caddo District Attorney James Stewart, Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith, and Shreveport Marshal James Jefferson. Collectively these four will have a major influence on law enforcement in the parish and prosecution of accused of criminal violations. His past service as U.S. Marshal also adds an additional relationship that will add to Whitehorn's leadership in the local criminal justice system.
As Shreveport Chief Administrative Officer Whitehorn demonstrated a quiet measured approach with his management decisions. His low key leadership style is a major change on the seventh floor of Government Plaza that should not be confused with timidity or indecisiveness. One can expect changes reflective of current law enforcement policies and procedures with seasoned veterans in key positions.
Whitehorn deserves the full support of all Caddo citizens. His responsibilities as Caddo Sheriff impact all Caddo residents and are very important to our local governmental process and law enforcement. I look forward to his administration and hopefully all the readers of this column do as well.
