By Bonnie Culverhouse

Those passing First Baptist Church of Minden Thursday may be alarmed over the number of law enforcement vehicles on site.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker wants everyone to know those vehicles are there for a good reason.

“We are hosting a training day and are expecting more than 150 law enforcement officers from 28 agencies all the way from south Arkansas to Breaux Bridge, Louisiana,” Parker said. 

Parker has a number of deputies registered, and Minden Police Chief Jared McIver said he has five officers planning to attend.

“It’s an all-day training session that will focus on at least three things,” Parker said. “Those things include bias-based diversity training, use of force and situational awareness.”

Despite recent national events, Parker said the local training session has been “in the works” since October 2022.

“We are serious about training at the sheriff’s office,” he added. “We are allowing these other agencies to come in free of charge, and a meal will be provided by First Baptist.”

Bossier Parish deputy Jeremy Haas from the BP academy, will conduct the training.

“He is a master instructor in POST certification with the state,” Parker said.  “He’s testified in court many times on these subjects – he’s very well qualified for this training because he knows the laws specific to our state.

“This will be good for the parish, the department and hopefully law enforcement officers around the area,” he continued.

Training will take place from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Thursday, February 2.