Jimmy Travis for Sheriff

Jimmy Travis and his wife, Patty Benton-Travis, have called Tangipahoa Parish home for decades. After earning 30 years of law enforcement experience and demonstrating a strong commitment to his home parish, Jimmy has earned the job of Sheriff.

Jimmy and Patty both graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University and have spent their careers in public service. Patty, a firstgrade teacher at Champ Cooper, entered the education field when she realized so many adults were struggling because they did not know how to read.

“Patty spends days and nights dedicating time to her life’s mission,” Jimmy said. “Our careers align when it comes to what’s best for this parish and the people we call neighbors, family and friends. We agree

A Concern For Poverty

As the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief of Operations, Jimmy understands that education is key to helping curb poverty in Tangipahoa Parish, and that less poverty will help lower crime rates.

“When people feel there is no other way, they become desperate,” he says. “And that leads to destructive decisions. I am determined to continue working with the school system to ensure children take advantage of the current literacy program and grow into productive and successful adults. That’s what it will take to keep Tangipahoa Parish safe––children who know there are opportunities achieved through education.

Mental Health Training

While education is a priority, Jimmy warns that mental health issues have become a problem nationwide and that no one is exempt from consequences stemming from the mental health crisis. Whether it’s the one experiencing the crisis or those who love them, these issues can threaten families and present public safety concerns.

“Proper law enforcement response is critical when responding to calls involving mental health issues,” Jimmy said. “Our officers go through annual mandatory mental health response training, but I want to require more specific training to ensure our response is compassionate and employs proper de-escalation techniques.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 1 in 5 American adults experience the effects of mental illness every year, and the National Institutes of Health states those individuals are more likely to be victims of crime rather than perpetrators.

“Understanding that people with mental illness often just need some help is what the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputies already know,” he said. "And I need to make sure they are trained to get these individuals to a safe place where they can get the help they need.”

Technology And Equipment

In addition to proper response, deputies deserve the latest in technology and equipment. Jimmy has worked to secure grant funding for transportation, protection, and solving cases.

“Deputies who put their lives on the line for the people of Tangipahoa Parish should know when they enter a situation, they have the proper equipment to protect themselves and their fellow law enforcement officers,” he said. “When they come to work, we want to make sure they return safely to their families. We owe these professionals proper training and tools to do their jobs so they have the best chance to do that.”

Recruitment And Retention

Finally, retaining law enforcement professionals is paramount to Jimmy’s success as the next Sheriff. While recruitment is important as well, Jimmy says retention and re-recruitment will be essential.

“We often are a training ground for deputies to move to other agencies,” he said. “We must pay our officers better, provide them advancement opportunities, and have an attractive benefits package. The people of Tangipahoa Parish need officers who want to begin their careers here and retire here.”

Jimmy said that this effort will create a legacy of career deputies who understand this parish and can build a body of knowledge for our Sheriff’s Department that will last for decades to come. “I will consider it my best accomplishment when I create a Sheriff’s Office that attracts officers who come to train here, and then stay to protect the same people they share neighborhoods with,” he continued. “The TPSO will be the agency where deputies want to spend their careers. I’ll make sure of that.”

The Experience To Serve

Jimmy Travis, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief of Operations

2004-PRESENT –

Full-time with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office

2001-2004 –

Full-time Criminal Investigator for the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office

1993-2001 –

Reserve Deputy for St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office

1997-2000 –

Reserve Officer for Kentwood Police Department

1993-1997 –

Reserve Deputy for Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office

1990-1999 –

Full-time Agent for Louisiana Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole

Paid for by the Jimmy Travis for Sheriff campaign.