New Technology Support Unit strengthens Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office operations, innovation

Vermilion Parish Sheriff Eddie Langlinais announces the consolidation and rebranding of the Sheriff’s Office Investigative Support Unit (ISU) and Information Technology (IT) divisions into the newly formed Technology Support Unit (TSU).
Sheriff Langlinais fulfilled a campaign promise by establishing the Investigative Support Unit (ISU) shortly after taking office in July 2024. Initially staffed by one deputy, the Unit supported investigations and monitored camera systems across Vermilion and surrounding parishes. With the addition of camera trailers and video-capable drones, the ISU
expanded its operations, grew its team, and was later restructured to combine with the Information Technology department, enhancing both investigative and technological capabilities.
Sheriff Langlinais stated that this restructuring reflects the evolving technological demands of modern law enforcement and unifies all technology-related operations under a single, coordinated command structure. The creation of the Technology Support Unit enhances operational efficiency, improves coordination across divisions, and ensures that the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office remains at the forefront of innovation in public safety.
The Technology Support Unit will oversee all technological operations for VPSO, including the administration of the Sheriff’s Office Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program, which operates a fleet of four drones used for search and rescue operations, crime scene documentation, and tactical support. The TSU is responsible for UAS maintenance, pilot training, and compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
The Unit also manages VPSO’s mobile surveillance and traffic safety fleet, consisting of four mobile camera trailers used for crime deterrence and event monitoring, with additional units currently in production, as well as two speed trailers that support traffic enforcement and public safety initiatives. Responsibilities include equipment maintenance, deployment coordination, and data management.
Oversight of all video surveillance systems falls under the TSU, including security camera operations, system monitoring and maintenance, and the management and retrieval of video evidence. The unit further administers the agency’s communications infrastructure, including radio system maintenance, programming, and emergency communications support.
A significant function of the Technology Support Unit is in-house software development and maintenance. The Sheriff’s Office develops and manages numerous custom law enforcement applications that support accounting, financial management, evidence tracking, timesheet reporting, policy management, and other operational needs. The continued development of new, agency-specific applications eliminates costly recurring licensing, maintenance, and vendor support fees, allowing taxpayer dollars to be redirected toward additional public safety priorities.
In addition, the TSU oversees the agency’s network infrastructure, including fiber optic and ethernet network design, installation, maintenance, and security optimization. The Sheriff’s Office operates its own data center, with the TSU responsible for internal server administration, workstation deployment and lifecycle support, data backup systems, secure storage, and disaster recovery operations.
Sheriff Langlinais emphasized the importance of this transition, stating:
“The formation of the Technology Support Unit reflects our commitment to using technology to better serve and protect Vermilion Parish. By investing in mobile surveillance, drone capabilities, and a self-managed data center—and by developing our own software in-house—we improve efficiency, reduce taxpayer costs, and strengthen our ability to meet the demands of modern law enforcement.”
Sheriff Langlinais added that the establishment of the Technology Support Unit ensures the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office remains technologically advanced, fiscally responsible, and fully prepared to serve the citizens of Vermilion Parish.