Judges: RICHARD P. IEYOUB
Filed Date: 10/4/2001
Status: Precedential
Modified Date: 7/5/2016
Dear Chief Lucas:
This office is in receipt of your request for an opinion of the Attorney General in regard to the authority over an inmate for work release. You indicate as Chief of Police you took an inmate out of Avoyelles Parish Sheriff's Office on work release for the Mansura Police Department. Under your supervision this inmate washed cars, painted trim on City Hall and did other maintenance and janitorial work. Upon returning the inmate to the Sheriff's office, you were informed you could no longer take this inmate out due to the Mayor's orders. As a result of this, you ask whether it is legal for the Mayor to do this without the approval of the Chief of Police.
In accordance with R.S.
R.S.
These statutes clearly establish that inmates held in a Parish Prison who are assigned for work details are under the authority and control of the sheriff.
Moreover, R.S.
However, while the Mayor has no authority with regard to prisoners sentenced to a parish facility as to whether they can be placed on a work detail, the Sheriff may acquiesce to a request by the Mayor, and an inmate could be denied release for work detail under the Sheriff's order. His decision would prevail.
We hope this sufficiently answers your inquiry, but if we can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us.
Your very truly,
RICHARD P. IEYOUB Attorney General
By: ___________________________ BARBARA B. RUTLEDGE Assistant Attorney General
RPI/bbr