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The National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) sponsors legal-based jail officer training and facility technical assistance to jails throughout the United States. The nationally recognized legal based training is anchored by two major annual training events known as JAILCON.

JAILCON West is held in Scottsdale, Ariz., and includes sheriffs and jail officials from various western states. JAILCON South is held in New Orleans and includes jail officials from throughout the southeast. Twelve states were represented at the New Orleans training event.

During each JAILCON conference, various jail officials are recognized for outstanding achievement in several categories, including Rookie of the Year. The individual awards are presented to the persons selected from nominations submitted from throughout the southeast. Rookie of the Year is defined as an officer who has worked for two or less years and has made extraordinary contributions to the operation of the jail.

At JAILCON South, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Corrections Sgt. Barry Cooper received the Rookie of the Year award on Thursday, Aug. 19. Cooper was nominated by Chief of Corrections Jim Miller and selected from various nominees throughout the southeast. In his recognition of Sgt. Cooper, NIJO Executive Director Tate McCotter acknowledged Cooper’s leadership and investigative skills.

“Sgt. Cooper has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “Since he came to work for us, he has shown himself to be a hard worker who upholds the integrity and work ethic that make him a valuable and trusted employee.

“A family man and graduate of the Louisiana Peace Officers and Standards Commission Academy, he has expressed his desire for a career in corrections. We are honored to have Sgt. Cooper as a member of our Sheriff’s Office team and congratulate him on receiving this well-deserved award.”