Transitional Work Program

The Ouachita Sheriff’s Office Transitional Work Program

Formerly known as Work Release, the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office operates the Transitional Work Program in partnership with and at the direction of the Louisiana Department of Corrections. Upon extensive research and approval, certain qualified offenders are given the opportunity to work and earn money for their use upon their release. These selected offenders must be non-violent and have an acceptable disciplinary record while incarcerated at their previous facilities. Unlike being funded by tax dollars while in local jails or penitentiaries, the offenders now earn money to pay for their incarceration while participating in the Transitional Work Program. The money earned by these offenders is also used to pay for court appointed child support, family support, and to make restitution or pay fines that would hinder their release.

The Transitional Work Program (TWP) provides all workers with transportation by commissioned deputies to and from their job. This ensures the employer that there will be an employee on the job each day, as scheduled.

There is a zero tolerance policy for alcohol and drug use within the program. Offenders are drug and alcohol tested daily and also subject to monthly random testing.   Any employer experiencing a problem with an offender loafing, displaying abnormal behavior or not having the skills set for the required job, can notify the TWP staff and steps will be taken to correct the problem, including worker replacement, if necessary.