Bobby Sheppard’s new job may not take him into the field much anymore, but he still works with the people of the parish

“I like interaction with the people (and) helping people when I can,” Sheppard said.

Sheppard was appointed as Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office new chief investigator Jan. 2 after former chief investigator Dennis Cowan retired.

Sheriff Randy Maxwell said Thursday he appointed Sheppard because of “his unique ability to talk to people and make them feel comfortable.”

“I’m very fortunate to have him,” he said. “I feel like I can depend on Bobby and I feel like he’ll do a good job with the department.”

Sheppard, 50, has been with CPSO for two and a half years but has been a law enforcement officer for the parish for 20 years.

He started out as a patrolman for the Ferriday Police Department from 1987 to 1992.

From 1992 until 2000 Sheppard worked as an investigator with Vidalia Police Department, then returned to Ferriday to serve as police chief.

In 2004, Sheppard left FPD when he was asked by Maxwell to join CPSO as an investigator.

Sheppard said there are four valuable characteristics he tries to practice at his new job. The first is listening.

“I try to be a good listener,” Sheppard said. “If you come in to talk to me, I’m going to listen to what you have to say. It may be something I can help you with (or) it may not, but I’m going to take the time to find out what’s going on in your situation.”

Another characteristic Sheppard thinks is important is patience.

“In this line of work you have to be patient,” he said. You just can’t rush to a decision or an action. Don’t jump the gun.”

Sheppard said officers should also have an even temperament.

“A short temper is not good,” he said. “In the police academy they told us that you can send an officer into a situation, like a disagreement between two people, and, depending on how the officer handles it, it could be resolved peacefully or it could escalate.”

Lastly, Sheppard said he would practice compassion for the people he serves.

“The way I try to fit those characteristics is to treat people the way I would want to be treated,” he said.

Sheppard said he has the utmost respect for Cowan.

“When he was my boss he always knew how to talk to you,” Sheppard said.

“He had respect for his employees. Now that I’m in his position I try to treat my fellow employees with respect.”

Sheppard said his job requires him to check investigators’ reports and turn them in to the district attorney’s office.

He is also responsible for the payroll of three CPSO officers.