The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office was awarded State Senate Appropriation funding to purchase a new 2025 Ford Mustang GT Police Interceptor, a move officials say reflects the success of the department’s Traffic Division and its ongoing efforts to improve roadway safety.

The vehicle, purchased locally within DeSoto Parish, will be added to the Traffic Division as part of a broader crash reduction strategy that has already produced significant results.

Just a few years ago, DeSoto Parish ranked among the highest in northern Louisiana for fatal traffic crashes, averaging between 12 and 15 deaths annually. In response, the Sheriff’s Office created a dedicated Traffic Division focused on speeding complaints, hit-and-run cases, and crash investigations.

Those targeted efforts paid off in 2024, when the parish recorded zero traffic-related fatalities.

Statewide, only three parishes achieved that milestone — and DeSoto Parish was the only one with a major interstate highway running through it.

State Senator Thomas Pressly recognized the department’s progress by advocating for and securing funding to strengthen the traffic safety program.

“This investment is about expanding what’s already working,” officials said. “It’s not a replacement — it’s a reinforcement of a strategy that is saving lives.”

The Mustang will be operated by Sgt. Jimmie Minor, who has completed specialized Ford Performance Driving Course training designed specifically for the vehicle’s handling, braking, and performance.

Additionally, all Traffic Division deputies have undergone advanced training in crash response, investigations, and vehicle handling.

The high-performance patrol car will be used to address speeding in high-risk areas, investigate crashes and hit-and-runs, and support proactive traffic safety initiatives across the parish.

Beyond enforcement, the Sheriff’s Office says the vehicle will also serve as a visible community engagement tool, encouraging conversations with drivers, students, and residents about safe driving habits and the serious consequences of reckless behavior.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson expressed appreciation to Senator Pressly for supporting the department’s life-saving efforts and praised the Traffic Division for its data-driven approach to improving roadway safety.

“This investment isn’t about a vehicle,” Richardson said. “It’s about sustaining a proven strategy that’s keeping families safe and saving lives in DeSoto Parish.”