Sheriff Jason Smith Offers to Pay for Litter Cleanup

In a video (see below) and later clarification, Washington Parish Sheriff Jason spoke of the litter problem stating, "I am personally willing to contribute $50 per hour of litter clean up to every school sports team, school support group, or school club in the Parish under the following conditions:

1. Sponsors must be present during clean up. 
2. Sponsors must take a picture of the area before clean up begins. 
3. Sponsors must take a picture of the area after they stop cleaning up. 
4. Sponsors must let me know how long the clean up took. 
5. Sponsors must let me know how many bags of trash were collected.
6. Sponsors must use 35 Gal bags.

In addition to the hourly rate, on 9 June 2025, I will award $1000 to the school group that collects the most bags of trash in the parish during the period of 1 Jan to 31 May 2025.    

School sponsors could use this activity to raise additional funds from members of the community.  A small pledge per each bag of trash could add up to a significant amount of money in a short amount of time.  Community members could also direct the school groups to areas of the most concern.  If done correctly, sponsors could use this activity to gain invaluable insight into their students and identify leaders within their group, all while building cohesion and camaraderie.  

In addition to the conditions above, I recommend four things: 

1. Sponsors ensure their respective school administration is completely aware of any plans they have to participate in this opportunity. 
2. Sponsors plan for the appropriate safety and logistical considerations involved. 
3. Sponsors prioritize the clean up of Parish Roads before State Roads.  
4. Sponsors encourage their groups to look for evidence and information that may lead to enforcement actions.   

Any sponsor or coach that wants to participate or has any questions may contact me at jsmith@wpso.la.gov.  Let the clean up begin!"