Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana - The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office will open its Junior Deputy Academy next month, offering middle school students a structured look at law enforcement, leadership, and civic responsibility.
Sheriff Gary “Stitch” Guillory and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) will host the program for children in grades 6 through 8 at the CPSO facility located at 5400 E. Broad St. in Lake Charles. The academy begins with a meet and greet and the first of six consecutive Saturday classes on February 21.
The meet and greet is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m., and the program will begin promptly at 9 a.m. A parent or guardian is required to attend the meet and greet with the student.
Program Focus: Leadership, Teamwork, And Civic Roles
According to CPSO, the Junior Deputy Academy is designed to teach young people the importance of their roles as citizens in the community. The curriculum focuses on leadership skills, the value of teamwork, and a clearer understanding of how deputies serve Calcasieu Parish.
Participants will learn about the various duties and responsibilities CPSO deputies carry out each day, from patrol and community engagement to other specialized roles. The program emphasizes good moral character, integrity, and strong leadership, aiming to help students understand not only what law enforcement does, but also how individual behavior and decision-making affect the wider community.
Six Consecutive Saturdays, Limited Seating
The Junior Deputy Academy will meet on six consecutive Saturdays following the February 21 kickoff. Each session will be held at the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office headquarters on East Broad Street in Lake Charles.
Because seating is limited, CPSO requires pre-registration for all participants. Parents or guardians must complete an online registration form before the program begins.
To register, interested families can visit:
Registration form - https://form.jotform.com/220053561756049
CPSO notes that advance registration helps the agency plan class size, materials, and staffing, so that both deputies and students can get the most from each session.
How To Get More Information
For more details about the Junior Deputy Academy, or to ask questions about eligibility and scheduling, CPSO advises contacting Sgt. Carl Lanham at (337) 936-1746.
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office describes the academy as a way to build stronger connections between deputies and local youth, while giving students a structured environment to develop leadership, teamwork, and a better understanding of public safety roles in their community.