St Mary Parish Sheriff Gary Driskell giving inmates a second chance

St Mary Parish Sheriff Gary Driskell is all about giving his incarcerated offenders a second chance
By: Howard J. Castay, Jr.
Morgan City -- Driskell held a press conference April 16, 2025, to share the details of an initial plan that began roughly four months ago, to graduate seven of his offenders from South La. Community College, and certify them as welders.
Seven offenders housed at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center successfully completed the program, marking the beginning of a promising transition from incarceration to gainful employment.
The graduating class is part of a groundbreaking pilot program designed to equip offenders with welding skills.
This initiative prepares them for participation in the Work Release Program, enabling them to secure jobs even before completing their corrections sentences.
The program not only provides vocational training but also serves as a critical step toward reducing recidivism.
By fostering practical skills and self-reliance, the initiative aims to support offenders as they reintegrate into society, thereby contributing to safer communities and more hopeful futures.
In the YouTube video, Driskell details the plan further and answers questions from local and statewide media that were present, including KBZE 105.9FM General Manager, Howard Castay.