For Immediate Release: 

Gonzales, LA – River Parishes Community College (RPCC) and the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office (APSO) recently announced the first cohort of APSO Deputies participating in RPCC’s new Associates of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program. Twenty-one APSO Deputies have enrolled in the program, which will start when classes begin on August 21st. 

“It is an honor to help our deputies and other employees further their educations at no cost to them,” said Sheriff Bobby Webre. “I am confident this partnership with River Parishes Community College, to send our deputies through the Criminal Justice Program, will not only enhance their abilities to serve the residents of Ascension Parish, but they will gain skill sets and resources to use for the rest of their lives. Strive for excellence and the rest will follow. Best of luck, deputies!”

“We are proud to be the preferred educational provider for the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office,” said RPCC Chancellor Quintin D. Taylor. “This is a great opportunity for not only sheriff deputies but also for residents throughout our entire service area to learn about the Criminal Justice industry by earning a degree that will help prepare them to work in this growing profession.”

"The Ascension Parish Sheriff Office and River Parishes Community College collaborating in the Criminal Justice Program is a significant building block for the deputies, their families, and their communities,” said Criminal Justice Instructor, Chenetra Hall-Phillips. “The strength of these deputies is showing the mindset for advancement, which will lead to their success in the end. I am already proud of them for taking the first step, time, effort, and dedication to commit to a new life journey, but perseverance will be their triumph. With that said, I can't wait to watch them reach the next level in their careers."

Chancellor Taylor added, “Sheriff Webre and the entire APSO are tremendous partners and supporters of RPCC. This is one of many partnerships we are working on throughout the parish that will continue to make Ascension Parish a destination for families and businesses to grow and thrive.”  

Fall classes for RPCC begin on August 21st. Those interested in applying to RPCC can apply by visiting rpcc.edu. For more updates and announcements, follow RPCC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

For more information on the Criminal Justice program, contact [email protected] or email [email protected].