Governor announces new Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections secretary

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has announced the new secretary of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

“At a time where public safety is a top priority for citizens across our state, I can think of no better person to lead the Department of Public Safety and Corrections than Gary Westcott. He has the leadership, experience and knowledge that is necessary to ensure this department is running in an efficient and effective manner,” said Landry.

According to the governor’s office, Wescott most recently served as the deputy secretary of DOC and oversaw the Division of Community and Executive Services. He had a 29-year career with the Louisiana Department of Corrections/Division of Probation & Parole before retiring in 2020 as a regional administrator responsible for seven district offices from Lake Charles to New Orleans.

“Governor Landry has made it abundantly clear that fixing our prison system and enhancing public safety is of utmost importance. I am honored by his confidence in me to get the job done, and I am looking forward to getting to work,” said Westcott.

The spot was left vacant when Jimmy LeBlanc announced his resignation after serving as secretary for the past 16 years.

Wescott was also a Defensive Tactics Instructor at the P.O.S.T. Law Enforcement Academy, according to a news release. After retirement, he worked as the Corrections Warden for the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office from 2020 to 2024.

He graduated from St. Martinville High School in 1985 and from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1990.

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