Kenneth A. Polite, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, visited Washington Parish on January 31 to meet with parish officials and discuss local issues. Many topics of interest were discussed, including drug enforcement, jail issues, mental health issues and training.

Mr. Polite, 37, grew up in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans and is the son of a NOPD officer. He was valedictorian at De La Salle High School, attended Harvard University and Georgetown Law School, and has worked as a federal prosecutor in New York City.

Washington Parish Chief Deputy Mike Haley, representing Sheriff Randy Seal who was unable to attend, spoke of Mr. Polite's visit. "From what I understand, this was the first visit to Washington Parish by a sitting United States Attorney. It was an honor to have Mr. Polite and members of his staff in our parish. Sheriff Seal and I met him previously at a meeting in New Orleans and continue to be impressed with his credentials, his knowledge of local law enforcement issues and his dedication to serving all of the citizens of the thirteen parish area he represents. We believe he will be a strong ally to the Sheriff's Office in our fight against crime."

Picture, left to right:

Quinn A. Smith, Law Enforcement Coordinator, Eastern District of Louisiana

Mike Haley, Chief Deputy, Washington Parish Sheriff's Office

Kenneth A. Polite, United States Attorney, Eastern District of Louisiana

Lewis Murray, Assistant District Attorney, 22nd Judicial District

Richard Thomas, Washington Parish President

Shane M. Jones, Community Outreach Specialist, Eastern District of Louisiana