Major John Vickers

Special Operations Division Responsibilities

Traffic Division
The traffic division is responsible for enforcing traffic laws; handling traffic complaints, investigating traffic accidents, reconstruction of major injury or fatality crashes and escorts including funerals.

For traffic complaints please call the sheriff’s traffic hotline at 504-278-7677 or click here email us.

Marine Division/Dive Team
The Marine Division is responsible for maintaining the department’s fleet of boats and patrolling the waterways of St. Bernard Parish as well as promoting boating safety. The Marine Division also responds to rescue operations and boating accidents. All SWAT Team members and most enforcement personnel have been trained by the Marine Division in boat operations and some search and rescue techniques. The Dive Team falls under the command of the Marine Division and is responsible for rescue dive operations and under-water search operations. For maritime emergencies please call 911 or 271-2501.

Bomb Squad
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office has a fully functional and credited bomb squad.
         
Crime Prevention
The Crime Prevention Division focuses on preserving public safety to meet the needs of each neighborhood or business area.  The Crime Prevention works closely with community leaders, neighborhood associations, state agencies, local businesses, and local service providers to address crime and find solutions to a variety of safety concerns. Programs include; Neighborhood Watch, Business Watch, Citizens Police Academy, McGruff the Crime Dog, Night Out Against Crime, and speaking to local civic associations promoting Crime Prevention.

Contact information: Office 504-278-7628 voice, 504-278-7766 fax, or to e-mail us click here

Fleet Management/Maintenance
Responsible for the ordering of cars and the management of the fleet and its maintenance.

Homeland Security, Emergency Planning and Special Events
Responsible for all Homeland Security issues and Emergency Planning for the Sheriff’s Office, including planning and preparations for hurricane season and any other special events such as fairs, fishing rodeos or parades.

Grants
The Sheriff’s Office participates in several state and federal grant programs and is responsible for the initial writing and applying for the grant funds. Once grant funds have been awarded to the Sheriff’s Office, there is the responsibility for maintaining the records and overseeing the grant budget.

Training Division
The training division is responsible for all basic and advanced training done by the department or any members of the Sheriff’s Office. This includes Basic POST School, Firearms Training and any and all other basic and advanced training courses.

SOD is commanded by Maj. John Vickers, 17 years with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, 202nd Session; graduate of the FBI Hazardous Device School; and accident reconstructionist, Northwestern University, Il.
years.