Which Louisiana police department should you work for? The answer depends on a number of factors, including what’s important to you.
If you’re looking for competitive pay and benefits, then the New Orleans Police Department is worth considering.
You’ll also want to look into Lafayette or Baton Rouge if you’re in search of higher education opportunities.
To help narrow down your options, we’ve compiled this list of the 10 best sheriff’s offices and police departments in Louisiana!
What Police Jobs are Available in Louisiana?
There are a number of law enforcement positions available in the state of Louisiana. The most common titles include police officer, deputy sheriff, state trooper, and city marshal.
Police officers are responsible for patrolling the streets and investigating crimes. Deputy sheriffs work in county jails, deal with warrants and court summons, serve legal papers as bailiffs, and investigate crimes.
State troopers patrol the busy highways in Louisiana and make sure that everyone is following the traffic laws. City marshals are responsible for law enforcement within city limits.
The Top Ten Louisiana Sheriff’s Offices and Police Departments
Here are the top ten sheriff’s offices and police departments in Louisiana, based on our research:
1. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office
The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work if you’re looking for a career in law enforcement.
They have a number of opportunities for advancement, and the pay and benefits are excellent.
The department is also committed to providing its employees with a great work/life balance.
Bossier Parish is located in northwestern Louisiana and has a population of over 330,000 people.
The parish is known for its excellent schools and recreational activities, including fishing, golfing, and boating.
Units within the department include patrol, investigations, narcotics, K-12 school resource officers, and community services.
Benefits:
- Excellent pay and benefits
- 401(k) plan
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Paid vacation and sick days
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Employee assistance program
If you’re looking for a great place to work, the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office is definitely worth considering!
2. New Orleans Police Department
The New Orleans Police Department is one of the largest police departments in the country.
It employs over 2500 officers and has a number of great benefits, including paid vacation days and sick leave.
Officers are also eligible for overtime pay, and the department offers a tuition reimbursement program.
NOPD is located in the city of New Orleans and is responsible for law enforcement within the city limits.
The department has a number of specialized units, including homicide, narcotics, SWAT, and aviation.
Benefits Include:
- Excellent pay and benefits (including overtime)
- Paid vacation days, sick leave, and holidays (unused time can be cashed out at the end of each year)
- Tuition reimbursement program for employees who want to further their education by completing a bachelor’s degree or taking specialized training courses.
- Employee assistance program that provides counseling and referral services for employees and their families
The New Orleans Police Department is a great place to work if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career in law enforcement!
3. East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office
The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office is another great place to work if you’re looking for a career in law enforcement.
They have a number of opportunities for advancement, and the pay and benefits are excellent.
The department also offers a tuition reimbursement program.
EBRPSO is also located in a city that has plenty of recreational activities and opportunities for higher education.
With a population of more than 400,000 people and a cost of living that’s 15% below the national average, Baton Rouge is one of Louisiana’s most desirable places to work.
According to recent data from Payscale, EBRPSO has an excellent salary range for entry-level officers – $42,800-$64,600+ per year.
For those who want to move up the ranks, there are plenty of opportunities for advancement.
Officers with experience can earn significantly more than entry-level officers.
For people who want to enter law enforcement but don’t have experience, this job can be an excellent place to start your career. It’s also one of the best places to work in Louisiana.
4. Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office
Jefferson Parish is another great place to work if you’re looking for a career in law enforcement.
This agency offers a number of opportunities for advancement, and the pay and benefits are excellent.
Jefferson Parish is located in a city that has plenty of recreational activities and opportunities for higher education.
The cost of living is slightly higher than average, but not too high.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can earn a salary up to $65,000 per year for this profession.
In Jefferson Parish, police job candidates must be 21 or older and have at least a high school diploma.
5. Baton Rouge Police Department
The Baton Rouge Police Department is a great place to work if you’re looking for a career in law enforcement.
This agency offers a number of opportunities for advancement, and the pay and benefits are excellent.
With a population of 225,000 people, Baton Rouge is a rapidly growing city that offers plenty of recreational activities.
Baton Rouge also has several colleges within its borders and the price of living here is below average.
Units within this agency offer everything from patrol to investigations.
Rank and file officers start at a competitive salary, but there is plenty of room for advancement with this department.
The retirement package here is excellent as well. If you’re looking for a career in law enforcement, the Baton Rouge Police Department is a great place to start.
6. Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office
The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Department has a number of opportunities for advancement, and the starting salary is excellent.
This agency offers great benefits as well. The city of Lafayette is ranked among the most livable cities in America with its low cost of living and high education levels. Plus there are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy here.
Officers with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Department can expect to receive excellent training, and the agency is always looking for qualified individuals to join its ranks.
So if you’re looking for a great place to work in law enforcement, consider the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office.
7. Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Department
The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Department is a great place to work if you’re looking for career advancement opportunities and an excellent salary.
This agency has several different units that offer everything from patrol services to investigations.
The starting pay here is above average as well, but the retirement package is what really sets this agency apart.
If you’re interested in a law enforcement career, the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office is definitely worth considering.
8. New Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office
The New Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Department is a great place to work if you’re looking for career advancement opportunities and an excellent salary.
Units within the department include patrol, investigations, corrections, and support services.
The New Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Department offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package that includes paid vacation days, sick leave, medical insurance, and retirement contributions.
Employees of the department can also take advantage of training opportunities offered through the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
9. Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office
The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Department is a great place to work if you’re looking for career advancement opportunities and an excellent salary.
Units within the department include patrol, investigations, corrections, emergency management services, and support services.
The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Department offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package that includes paid vacation days, sick leave, medical insurance, and retirement contributions.
With a population of over 128,000 people, Livingston Parish is a great place to live and work.
The parish has plenty of recreational activities to keep you busy in your free time, including fishing, camping, hiking, and kayaking.
There are also several colleges and universities located in the area that offer career advancement opportunities for police officers.
The cost of living in Livingston Parish is also very affordable.
The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work if you’re looking for an excellent salary and career advancement opportunities.
10. City of Shreveport Police Department
The City of Shreveport Police Department is located in northwest Louisiana and serves the city of approximately 200,000 residents.
The department has a staff of over 400 sworn officers and civilian employees.
The Shreveport Police Department is dedicated to providing professional police services to the citizens of Shreveport.
In addition to law enforcement, the department also provides 24-hour emergency service, conducts investigations, and administers parking and traffic control.
The Shreveport Police Department is located at the Shreveport Government Center, 800 Saint Vincent Avenue.
The City of Shreveport has a cost of living that is below the national average.
Shreveport also offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, golfing, and hiking.
The Shreveport Police Department is a great place to work for police job seekers who are looking for a city with a lower cost of living and plenty of recreational activities.
FAQ About Police Jobs in Louisiana
What is the minimum age to be a police officer in Louisiana?
You must be at least 21 years of age to be a police officer in Louisiana.
Do I need a college degree to become a police officer in Louisiana?
No, you do not need a college degree to become a police officer in Louisiana. However, it is highly recommended that you complete a college degree before enrolling in the police academy.
How long does it take to become a police officer in Louisiana?
The length of time it takes to become a police officer in Louisiana varies depending on the law enforcement agency you are employed with.
The basic requirements, which include attending a police academy and passing a state-required certification exam, usually take about 12 months to complete.
What is the salary range for police officers in Louisiana?
Police officers in Louisiana earn a median salary of $45,000. However, the salary range for police officers in Louisiana varies depending on the law enforcement agency you are employed with and your level of experience.
How many vacation days do police officers receive in Louisiana?
Police officers in Louisiana typically receive 15-20 vacation days per year.
Are there any special benefits for police officers in Louisiana?
Police officers in Louisiana receive a competitive salary and excellent health, dental, vision insurance coverage.
They also are eligible to participate in retirement plans after one year of service with their law enforcement agency.
What are the requirements for becoming a sheriff’s deputy in Louisiana?
The requirements for becoming a sheriff’s deputy in Louisiana are the same as those for becoming a police officer.
You must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, and pass a state-required certification exam.
What are the best police departments to work for in Louisiana?
The best police departments to work for in Louisiana are the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lake Charles Police Department, and New Orleans Police Department.
How long do police officers in Louisiana work each day?
Police officers in Louisiana typically work a standard 40-hour workweek. However, they may occasionally be required to work overtime hours.
