Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright has announced the graduation of Deputy Ashley Mays from the 98th Session of the Alexandria Regional Police Academy.

Deputy Mays was honored alongside her fellow graduates during a ceremony held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Alexandria Convention Center.

A veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a current member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Deputy Mays joins the Sheriff’s Office with a background rooted in discipline and professional service. Her transition to local law enforcement followed a rigorous 16-week program involving over 620 hours of training. The curriculum covered essential areas including criminal law, patrol procedures, defensive tactics, and DWI enforcement.

“We are proud to welcome Deputy Mays to our law enforcement family,” Sheriff Wright said. “Her training, dedication, and professionalism reflect the values we uphold at the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. We are confident she will serve the citizens of Natchitoches Parish with integrity, honor, and compassion.”

The NPSO leadership team, including Chief Deputy Darrel Winder, Major J. Taitano, and Captain S. LaCaze, commended Mays for her perseverance throughout the intensive academy process.

Deputy Mays is now set to begin the next phase of her transition, which includes in-house instruction and field training alongside certified Field Training Officers (FTOs). Once she completes this internal program, she will begin her full law enforcement duties serving the residents of Natchitoches Parish.

In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office also extended its congratulations to all academy graduates and expressed appreciation to the Alexandria Police Department and the academy training staff for their leadership in law enforcement education.