You can file a commendation or complaint using any of the following methods:

• Complete and submit an online commendation/complaint form below
• Send an email to the sheriff’s office
• Print the form and mail it to: Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, Attention: Professional Standards and Accountability Unit, 828 S. Irma Blvd. Gonzales, LA 70737
• Call non-emergency dispatch at 225-621-8300, option 1 and ask to speak with an on-duty supervisor.

Complaints about whether a traffic citation or an arrest was appropriate must be resolved via the court system.

Please include the following facts and any additional information that will help ensure a thorough and fair investigation of your concerns:

• • The date, time, and location of the event or incident
  • Deputy’s name or badge or unit number
  • Name, address, and phone numbers of any witnesses
  • A description of the event

While we prefer that you provide your name, address, and telephone number, you may file a complaint anonymously.

You can make a complaint against any member of the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office for any alleged improper conduct. The APSO views all citizen complaints very seriously and actively pursues investigations into misconduct. For this reason, you are responsible for ensuring that any statements you make are accurate and based on the truth. False reporting, in an attempt to unjustly subject a member of the APSO to undeserved discipline or slander, or place his/her employment in jeopardy, can result in criminal charges.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office accepts complaints at any time, however, complaints should be made in a timely manner from the date of the incident. Exceptions may be made for special situations involving alleged criminal misconduct or when good cause can be shown for making the complaint sooner was not possible or practical. Complaints must be made by the person who witnessed the event, was the recipient of the alleged misconduct, or the parent or guardian of a minor making the complaint on their behalf.

After we receive your complaint, a supervisor will contact you to discuss and clarify the issues. Complaints can often be resolved at this point, however, if you are not satisfied or if the supervisor feels the incident needs further investigation, the supervisor will conduct a preliminary investigation.

The preliminary investigation often involves interviews with the named employee and any witnesses. The supervisor shares the results of the preliminary investigation with the sheriff to determine whether further investigation is appropriate.

We strive to complete all complaint investigations as quickly as possible. Occasionally, an investigation may be extended depending on the complexity of the event. If so, we will let you know. Please note that public records relating to a disciplinary action, materials, or documents supporting a discipline action are exempt from disclosure.