Name: Sue Ellen Penouilh
Position: Deputy Chief 
Division: Corrections Bureau
Years of Service: 26 yrs

Chief Sue Ellen Penouilh joined the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in 1980. She has twenty-six years of diverse police leadership experience, and command responsibilities in every rank from Sergeant through Chief. Her career began as a clerk in the Detective Bureau. She attended the training academy and graduated in 1986 and was assigned to work in patrol where she promoted thru the ranks from Deputy to Major. In 1999 she graduated from the FBI National Academy. In 2006 she was promoted to Deputy Chief of Corrections, where she is now responsible for managing approximately 300 employees as well as the care, custody and control of 850 inmates. She is responsible for the day to day operations of the facility which consist of fifteen separate divisions.

"I am indebted to Sheriff Harry Lee for affording me the opportunity to exceed any expectation I could have imagined throughout my law enforcement career. I have met many challenges that have influenced my growth both personally and professionally," said Penouilh.

"I am especially honored and privileged to be a part of history with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office by becoming the first female District Commander and Deputy Chief”. I can only hope that the legacy I leave behind will emulate one of character, integrity, dignity, and perseverance. I hope that in some small way I have contributed to the success of the Sheriff’s Office and to someone in someway, I have made a positive difference in their lives. In respect to my female predecessors, I like they hope to pave the road for the future generation of women law enforcement officers to come."

For information about this site, contact Colonel Kenneth C. Hughes, Jr.