Archives: June2016

Sheriff James Pohlmann sworn-in for a second four-year term; Praises the department and says he will work to keep St. Bernard the safest parish in the metro area

Officers take their oath of office for the new term.

The sheriff speaks, surrounded by ranking officers of the department.

Sheriff Pohlmann on the steps of the Courthouse after the ceremony,and behind him are the officers who took their oaths of office.

Numerous ranking officers take their oaths.	More officers sworn-in
Chief Deputy Sheriff Richard Baumy is sworn-in by Judge Klees, with Sheriff Pohlmann next to him.	Sheriff ames Pohlmann is sworn-in by udge Robert Klees, with the sheriff’s wife, Monique, and their daughters Victoria and Olivia at his side.

More officers sworn in.

Sheriff James Pohlmann was sworn-in Thursday for a second four-year term as St. Bernard Parish Sheriff, saying the credit for his re-election without opposition last year goes to the men and woman of the Sheriff’s Office and the good job they do each day.

Chief Deputy Sheriff Richard Baumy was also sworn-in for another term in a ceremony inside the main courtroom of the Parish Courthouse which included Clerk of Court Randy Nunez’s swearing in and oaths of office for hundreds of sheriff’s officers as well as employees of the Clerk’s office.

“I have a great group of people,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said, including ranking officers consisting mostly of those who have graduated the prestigious FBI National Training Academy in Virginia.

Sheriff Pohlmann, Chief Baumy and officers of the department were given their oaths of office for the new term by Robert Klees, retired 4th Court of Appeal Chief Judge and a former member of the St. Bernard Parish Police Juror, forerunner to the Parish Council.

Sheriff Pohlmann’s wife, Monique, and daughters Victoria and Olivia stood next to him for his swearing-in.

Sheriff Pohlmann, who started with the Sheriff’s Office at age 18 in 1983, served in various positions before he was first elected sheriff in November 2011 and took office July 1, 2012. He was re-elected without opposition in 2015.

Baumy has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 1984 and was a former New Orleans police detective who was Assistant Commander of Homicide from 1978-84.

The sheriff said he appreciates the support the department receives from the public in St. Bernard Parish.

“These are challenging times in law enforcement,’’ and it is a difficult and dangerous job, he said, referring to the most recent killing of a local police officer in the line of duty, which came in Jefferson Parish just a week ago.

“Don’t think that can’t happen here,’’ he told an audience of officers and employees from the Clerk of Court’s office, which filled the main courtroom. “That’s why I want to make sure our officers are the best trained and best equiped.’’

The sheriff also discussed the numerous accomplishments of his first term, which has included adding more officers, building three sub-stations at parish borders without cost to residents, adding training programs for officers, placing resource officers at Chalmette High to ensure safety for students.
Also the restructuring of the S.W.A.T. team, improving security at the Courthouse, using supervised prison work crews to help with various projects in the parish and a partnership in grants with the St. Bernard Port which has helped the Sheriff’s Office receive a mobile command post, a deep-water patrol boat and a deep-water truck for rescue or moving officers during a rank event.

New St. Bernard sheriff’s message as new term start for Sheriff Pohlmann

Four years goes by in a hurry.

I was honored in 2012 to begin my first four-year term as sheriff of this parish with Richard Baumy as my Chief Deputy Sheriff. And I believe in those four years we have worked hard to keep St. Bernard the safest parish in the New Orleans area.

Now, as I am being sworn in June 30 for the start of a second term, I look back on my first four years as a time in which we accomplished many things and fulfilled pledges made to the public.

And, of course, we owe a debt of gratitude to the people of St. Bernard Parish who have stood by the Sheriff’s Office over the past years.

When we asked you for an increase in property taxes in 2013 so we could build for the future St. Bernard residents responded by approving the measure 61-39 percent. Thank you for supporting your police.
In my new term, I will continue to make sure St. Bernard remains the safest parish in the New Orleans area.
I am proud to say that quick response times to calls remains the hallmark of this department and always will be.
Battling narcotics activity in this parish will continue as a top priority. Call our anonymous tips line at 271-DOPE if you suspect narcotics activity. All calls are investigated
I also intend to use emerging technology applied to law enforcement.
Fulfilling promises I made, we have more officers on the force now than when I started as sheriff, have built three new sub-stations at parish borders at no cost to residents – as well as opened an office in the old Courthouse on Bayou Road for residents of eastern St. Bernard. The new stations are part of our crime suppression strategy and should give residents peace of mind that the parish can be effectively shut down in case of an emergency.
We have heavily stressed training programs for officers, both in-house and through training offered in other parts of the state.

The hiring process for officers was also ungraded involving creation of a hiring board made up of experienced deputies who interview applicants and make recommendations.

Through grants the department has been successful in obtaining money used to get its first mobile emergency command post, a patrol boat big enough to be used on the Mississippi River and a deep-water truck that can be used for evacuating residents or moving personnel around in a rain storm event.

Our SWAT team has been restructured and expanded and is training in public buildings for worst case scenarios involving armed intruders. You hate to think about that but you have to be prepared.

Security has also been upgraded at the parish Courthouse.

We have also placed two officers at Chalmette High in an agreement with the school system. We continue to have officers in the D. A. R. E. program in the school system as well as officers at the alternative school.

And we have partnered with Crimestoppers to expand our relationship with this program which offers tips to get names of suspects in crimes, which has led to numerous arrests for crimes in St. Bernard Parish. Remember to call us at 271-2501 or Crimestoppers at 822-1111 if you have information about crime suspects.

We have also gotten good results with putting prison work crews with public projects with other agencies to help clean up highways, cut trees along canals to improve drainage and even help with levee maintenance.

And we have created free programs for the public. One is our Junior Deputy Academy held these past two summers for boys and girls 10-13 to give our youth a chance to learn some things about our parish, meet deputies in a positive way and learn about the Sheriff’s Office and equipment.

Another new program is Refuse to be a Victim, giving residents a chance to hear experts discuss crime prevention advice such as what type locks and lighting are recommended for homes and businesses.

And we will continue our Citizens Police Academy starting in August each year as well as Neighborhood Watch groups and Night Out Against Crime held in October.

Call Capt. Charles Borchers at 278-7628 or Deputy Eric Eilers at 278-7799 for more information or to register for any free programs.

As always, we continue to rely on residents to be our first eyes in their neighborhood because you know what does and doesn’t look right in your area. Call us at (504) 271-2501 if you see anything suspicious. Timely calls by witnesses lead to arrests and we are fortunate to have residents willing to report what they see.

As you may know, I am constantly out and about in our parish and invite you to come up to speak with me.

Man booked with video voyeurism for taking cell phone photos underneath a woman’s dress while she was distracted

Taza Green, booked with video voyeurism in Chalmette

Taza Green, 30, 3204 Boyd St., was arrested June 24 on a warrant signed by a judge. The incident happened June 23 in a building in Chalmette.

Green was booked into St. Bernard Parish Prison, appeared before a magistrate judge on June 27, and bond was set at $2,500. He posted bond and was released.

The woman had been on an elevator with Green and reported after they got off the elevator she felt the back of her dress being lifted, Sheriff Pohlmann said. As she turned around she saw Green had a cell phone in one hand, which he quickly concealed, the sheriff said.

Green left the building, got into a work truck with a business name on it, and drove off, the sheriff said.

Three video clips were retrieved from a surveillance camera in the building, which showed Green was standing to the side and just behind the woman, bent down, and using his cell phone it appeared he was taking several photos under her dress, the sheriff said.

Officers learned Green’s name after going to the Chalmette office of the business named on the work truck, where a supervisor identified Green through a photograph.

Detectives obtained a warrant from a judge and Green was arrested, the sheriff said.

Times listed for legal use of fireworks in St. Bernard Parish during the 4th of July celebration

By St. Bernard Parish ordinance, here are the times when fireworks can legally be used in the parish during the 4th of July celebration.

From June 25 through July 2, fireworks can legally be used from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m.

On July 3 and 4 fireworks can be used from 9 a.m. until midnight.

On July 5, they can be used from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m., when all use of fireworks must end for the 4th of July period.

Any use outside these hours would be considered illegal disturbing of the peace.

Knights of Nemesis makes donation to Sheriff’s Office Reserve Division for the work the volunteer officers’ group does in the krewe’s annual Carnival parade and its Hook a Kid on Fishing Rodeo

The Knights of Nemesis Carnival krewe has made a $250 donation to the Sheriff’s Office Reserve Division for the work the volunteer officers’ group does in Nemesis’ annual Carnival parade and its Hook a Kid on Fishing rodeo.

Shown at the check presentation are, from left, Nemesis Committee Chairman Danny Fernandez, Reserve Division Sgt. Scott Bowles, Dep. Sheriff Eric Eilers, Nemesis President Billy Showalter, Reserve Division Lt. Mitch Perkins, Nemesis Vice-President Don Picou, Treasurer Robby Showalter and Secretary Arthur Folse.

The Carnival group makes quarterly donations to charitable and non-profit groups, based on members’ recommendations.

Sheriff James Pohlmann to be sworn-in for second four-year term at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 30, in the St. Bernard Parish Courthouse in Chalmette

Sheriff James Pohlmann to be sworn-in for second term

Sheriff Pohlmann, a native of St. Bernard Parish, has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 1983.

He was elected sheriff in November 2011 after serving as Chief Deputy to then-Sheriff Jack A. Stephens since 2008, overseeing all law enforcement operations. He won a second term last year when he was unopposed.

“My goal in this next term is to make sure St. Bernard remains the safest parish in the New Orleans area,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said.

“My staff and I constantly track where crime is occurring and put special emphasis on those areas. We believe the department does a good job reacting to what needs to be done.’’

“And we will apply emerging technology available to law enforcement for crime-fighting.’’

“Also, quick response time to calls has been the hallmark of our department and will remain that way,’’ the sheriff said.

Training programs for our officers was a high priority in my first term and will remain so, Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Our S.W.A.T. team has been reorganized and expanded and is training in public buildings to be prepared for any situation involving armed intruders.’’

And we will continue with free programs for the public, including our Refuse to be a Victim lecture held in December, which includes expert advice on what type locks and lighting you should be using at your home and business, as well as other crime prevention tips.

“Our Junior Deputy program for boys and girls 10-13 held in the summer these last two years has been popular, as well as our Citizens Police Academy beginning in August, the Night Out Against Crime held in October and the Neighborhood Watch program.

Residents should call Capt. Charles Borchers at 278-7628 or Dep. Eric Eilers at 278-7799 to register for any program held for the public.

TEEN CERT ACADEMY – July 11-15th at Tulane University

Learn to protect yourself, your family and friends in case of a disaster.

Youth ages 11-19 from St. Bernard, Orleans, Jefferson and Plaquemines Parishes are invited to spend 5 days learning emergency response skills from local first responders. The St. Bernard Sheriffs Office will have a representative as an instructor.

The training will take place July 11 – 15 at Tulane University in the Lavin-Bernick Center/Qatar Ballroom, located at 201 Boggs Street in New Orleans.

The deadline to register is July 1^st. To register or for more information contact Eric Pickering at [email protected] or call 504-913-1442.

About Teen CERT

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and is a national program of volunteers trained in disaster preparedness and emergency response.

Volunteers come from all ages and all walks of life, including teen-agers. CERT training teaches you about the potential disasters that could affect your area and how to safely and responsibly respond to them.

Through Teen CERT people serve their community and help take care of their school and home.

Is Your Child Safe in the Vehicle? Free Child Safety Seat Check in New Orleans

Orleans Parish – Louisiana State Police Troop B, University Medical Center Level 1 Trauma Center and the Louisiana Passenger Safety Task Force will be conducting a free child passenger safety seat check event on Saturday, June 25, 2016 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.  The event will take place at the Premier Honda Dealership, 11801 East I-10 Service Road, New Orleans, LA.  No appointment is necessary.

It is a proven fact that car seats and booster seats save lives.  Child seats offer the best protection for children in the event of a crash.  However, approximately 3 out of 4 child seats are not used correctly.  This misuse rate can be attributed to the wide variety of child seats available, the range of children’s weights and heights, and the vast array of vehicles in today’s market. These misuses span all races, educational levels, and socioeconomic status.

During the past 30 years, nearly 9,000 lives have been saved by the correct use of child seats according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is important that caregivers ensure children are properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt anytime they are traveling in a vehicle.

Every Louisiana State Police troop is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as a child safety seat “Fitting Station”.  Troop B Troopers/technicians are available every Wednesday from 1 pm to 4 pm at Troop B located at 2101 I-10 Service Road, Kenner, LA to inspect car seats.  For a comprehensive list of all fitting stations across the state, please visit the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s website at http://www.lahighwaysafety.org/child.html or http://www.facebook.com/BuckleUpLouisiana.

Fire Department talks about fire safety to Sheriff’s Office Junior Deputy Academy class

Junior Deputy Academy participants get to see the Fire Rescue truck, its equipment and hear explanation of what it is used for.

Children are shown how a car can be lifted to rescue someone.

The fourth week of the Sheriff’s Office Junior Deputy Academy for children 10-13 saw representatives from the Fire Department come to discuss fire safety.

They discussed what to do in a fire and the safe way to get out. The class got to look at a fire truck up-close. They also got to look at one of the rescue squads and see all the equipment the Fire Department carries.
Firefighters also showed the class how they pick up a car using air bags and also brought the department’s smoke house for the kids to go through, showing them how to get to the ground during a fire and get out to avoid smoke inhalation.

The Junior Deputy Academy continues each week through graduation on July 20.

Courthouse dedicated in honor of the late long-time District Attorney and Sheriff Jack Rowley

Attorney Anthony Ferndnadez Jr., and Rebecca Schoen, grand-daughter of the late Jack Rowley, unveil a photo and plaque of Rowley in the lobby of the St. Bernard Courthouse on June 20, as part of a ceremony dedicating the building in honor of the former long-time District Attorney and Sheriff. Fernandez organized the event.	Sheriff James Pohlmann speaks during the dedication and at left is Anthony Fernandez, who organized the event.
A crowd filled the lobby of the Courthouse for the dedication ceremony.	Members of the Rowley family, including, second from left in back, his widow Elizabeth, and son Jack Rowley Jr. next to her,,stand next to the photo and plaque honoring Jack Rowley in the lobby of the Courthouse.

With the family of the late John F. “Jack” Rowley in attendance, the St. Bernard Parish Courthouse was formally dedicated June 20 in honor of the long-time District Attorney and sheriff who served 52 years in elective office before his death in November 2014.

A photo of Rowley and a plaque were unveiled in the lobby of the Courthouse and his name now appears on the front of the building over the entrance.

Rowley spent 35 years working in the Courthouse as District Attorney after he took office Jan. 1, 1979, following his 1978 election. He was sheriff from 1962 to 1979

“We are honored to be part of this,’’ Rowley’s son, Jack Rowley Jr.. said afterward. “It’s a tribute to a person who dedicate his life to helping this parish and we appreciate it.’’

Other Rowley family members there were his widow, Elizabeth Rowley; Julie Rowley, Rebecca Schoen, Jacob Schoen, Abigail Schoen, Alice Schoen and Jacob Schoen.

Attorney and parish activist Anthony Fernandez Jr. organized the event and it was sponsored by the parish’s bar association. Parish government paid for Rowley’s name being placed on the front of the building, now known as the Jack F. Rowley Courthouse.

Fernandez spoke at the dedication, as well as Judge Robert Buckley, District Attorney Perry Nicosia, Sheriff James Pohlmann, Parish President Guy McInnis, former Sheriff Jack Stephens and retired Jefferson Parish District Attorney John Mamoulides.

Speaking to a crowd of people in the Courthouse lobby, many who had supported Rowley politically, Fernandez said Rowley “left his mark on the lives of many of us here and always for the good.’’

“Through his leadership St. Bernard remains a great place to live and raise a family and we remain the safest community in the metro area.”

Sheriff Pohlmann, whose father worked as a sheriff’s deputy under Rowley’s tenure, said Jack Rowley – never one to seek publicity – probably wouldn’t have wanted any public event dedicating the Courthouse in his honor.

The sheriff remembered that often times Rowley would be the one to greet residents at the door of the D.A.’s office to answer questions they had. And after Hurricane Katrina, when the Courthouse was flooded, Rowley took up living there to help out, rather than leaving. “This is my Courthouse,’’ he told me, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

Former long-time Sheriff Jack Stephens said Rowley set a great example for elected officials by being very aware of the power of his office but not wielding that power in a way to hurt anyone.

Rowley, whose father “Dutch’’ Rowley, had been sheriff years ago, won a runoff election for sheriff in 1962 after the death in office of Sheriff Dr. Nicholas Trist.

He was re-elected four times before running for District Attorney in 1978 when St. Bernard Parish was first designated its own judicial district

He took office Jan. 1, 1979, and was re-elected five times before choosing not to run again in 2014. Perry Nicosia was elected District Attorney in November 2014 on the same night Rowley died.