CONVENT — Willy Martin Jr. announced he is seeking re-election as St. James Sheriff.

“Working with all citizens of our parish, your sheriff’s office continues to do an outstanding job of keeping St. James Parish safe,” he said.

“We remain dedicated to our mission of serving and protecting residents, while being a good steward of taxpayer funds. I humbly ask for your vote and support so I may continue to serve you in this important position.”

Martin said during his tenure, which began in 1992, he has increased the number of personnel on patrol, updated the office’s technology, strengthened training programs, provided the latest equipment to deputies and widened the office’s community involvement programs.

“We work 24/7 to fight the criminal element and take very seriously our responsibility to keep the lines of communication open between this office and parish residents,” he said.

“The citizens of St. James Parish, paired with the dedicated men and women who work for your sheriff’s office, form an outstanding crime-fighting team that I am proud to lead.

“During my current term, new means of notification to the public have been added. Residents can now sign up for emergency information to be sent electronically to them through the NIXLE system and the office’s website has been improved to increase convenience by allowing more online transactions. The site also offers numerous services including the ability to track registered sex offenders and inmates in the parish jail.

“The office’s social media presence has been greatly enhanced for increased community involvement.”

Martin said special patrol units are outfitted with license plate recognition technology to identify and recover stolen vehicles as well as apprehend drivers who have outstanding warrants.

“Body cameras are now being deployed to record public interaction, a Special Response Team has been formed to handle incidents that threaten public safety, new patrol units and high-water vehicles have been purchased and a shallow water boat to aid in delivering supplies and evacuating people in the event of a flood has been obtained,” he said

Martin is a lifelong resident of St. James Parish and has been married to Stacy  LeBlanc Martin for 37 years: they have two children, Ben and his wife Jenee’, and Sara and her husband Troy. He has two grandchildren. Voting is scheduled for Oct. 24. Early voting is Oct. 10-17.