Cody Cheatwood
FOR SHERIFF
Jackson Parish, Louisiana
Dear Fellow Residents of Jackson Parish,
Jackson Parish has been more than a career for me. It has been a lifelong commitment. For more than four decades, this parish has trusted me in roles that demanded responsibility, fairness, and steady leadership. That trust is not something I take lightly, and it is why I am seeking the office of Sheriff.
My family has deep roots here. My children were raised in Jackson Parish, and today I am the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren. I want them, and every child growing up here, to have a safe community where they can learn, work, and build a future without fear. That desire is personal, and it is one of the strongest reasons I am running.
As Sheriff, I intend to lead from the front. I will be visible, accessible, and fully involved in the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office. I believe leadership requires presence, not distance, and I expect to know what is happening in every part of the parish. The Sheriff’s Office should never feel unreachable to the people it serves.
One of the most pressing challenges we face, here and across the country, is the illegal drug trade. Drugs destroy families, create crime, and endanger our communities. Addressing this problem requires focus and consistency, which is why I will assign deputies on a full-time basis to narcotics enforcement. This will not be a secondary responsibility. It will be a priority.
Looking ahead, I also believe we must protect and manage the resources that make this parish strong. Caney Creek Reservoir has become a major asset for Jackson Parish. It deserves a dedicated, full-time patrol to ensure safety on the water and surrounding properties. At the same time, I am committed to improving training and continuing education for deputies.
A well-trained agency is safer, more effective, and more accountable to the public. Law enforcement alone cannot solve every problem. I believe in working closely with schools, courts, and other community partners to support mentorship and after-school programs for at-risk youth. Giving young people guidance and opportunity early can prevent crime long before handcuffs ever become involved. Prevention matters, and so does coordination across the entire justice system.
Trusted Leadership for a Safer Jackson Parish
Immediately upon taking office, my focus will be on proactive patrol parish-wide, strengthening school safety measures already in place, and ensuring narcotics enforcement is fully staffed. I also believe it is responsible to review operations and resources to see where improvements can be made for efficiency and cost effectiveness. This will be done carefully and fairly, with respect for the capable men and women already serving in the Sheriff’s Office.
My experience spans every level of this work, including corrections, dispatch, patrol, investigations, and training. I understand how each piece functions and how important teamwork is to success. That experience allows me to lead with knowledge rather than guesswork.
The office of the Sheriff should represent something very simple and very clear to the people of Jackson Parish: help is available. No concern is too small. No call should go unanswered. Whether someone is facing a crisis, a question, or the worst moment of their life, they deserve a professional response grounded in respect, compassion, and fairness.
That expectation will be made clear to every employee.
I believe deputies should know the people they serve, and that citizens should recognize who is patrolling their community. Trust is built through presence, conversation, and consistency. When emergencies happen, we will respond with professionalism and dignity, working alongside other emergency services to serve the parish as one unified team.
This campaign is about service, accountability, and ensuring Jackson Parish remains a safe place for generations to come. I respectfully ask for your trust and your vote.
Committed to serve,
Cody Cheatwood
Candidate for Sheriff
Jackson Parish
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