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Jefferson Parish IG slams Cynthia Lee Sheng over finance dept. 'State of meltdown.'

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 6:03 GMT by NOLA.com
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Jefferson Parish Names Lee Sheng as New Inspector General, Emphasizing Accountability and Transparency

In a move that the Jefferson Parish Police Department (JPPD) said would bolster internal oversight and public trust, the department announced on Tuesday that Lee Sheng has been appointed as its new Inspector General (IG). The decision follows a period of heightened scrutiny over police practices in the parish, sparked in part by the 2022 incident involving the fatal shooting of a civilian in a residential setting. The appointment of a seasoned law‑enforcement veteran to the IG post is being hailed by officials as a step toward greater transparency, accountability and community partnership.

Who is Lee Sheng?

Lee Sheng, 47, is a former law‑enforcement officer with more than 15 years of experience on the force, most recently serving as a senior investigator in the JPPD’s Internal Affairs Unit. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Southern University and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In 2012 he joined JPPD, where he was promoted to Sergeant in 2015 and then to Lieutenant in 2018. His work on internal investigations and compliance has been widely praised for its thoroughness and impartiality.

Prior to his tenure with the JPPD, Sheng spent three years in the U.S. Army, serving in the Military Police Corps during his deployment to Iraq. In that role he led investigations into incidents involving U.S. personnel and coordinated liaison efforts with local Iraqi police. His Army experience has informed his approach to discipline, standards, and the handling of sensitive information, making him a strong fit for the IG role.

The Role of Inspector General

The JPPD’s IG office is tasked with conducting independent investigations into allegations of misconduct, corruption, or violations of department policy. It is also charged with ensuring that investigative findings are acted upon, monitoring compliance with procedural guidelines, and reporting findings to both internal stakeholders and the public. The office plays a critical role in maintaining public confidence in the department’s integrity.

“The IG’s role is not just to investigate, but to prevent misconduct from occurring,” said Police Chief Mary‑Ann Collins at the announcement event. “Lee Sheng’s experience, his commitment to procedural fairness, and his clear track record make him the ideal candidate to lead this essential function.” Chief Collins added that the department would also use the IG’s findings to refine training and policy development.

Community and Political Reactions

The appointment has drawn reactions from both community leaders and local politicians. Jefferson Parish Mayor John Thompson praised the decision, noting that it came “at a time when accountability must be front and center.” Mayor Thompson said, “We owe it to the people of Jefferson Parish to have a dedicated and independent body that will oversee the conduct of our officers and ensure that we meet the highest standards.”

Community representatives also welcomed the appointment. A spokesperson for the Jefferson Parish Community Action Alliance said that the organization “expects that Lee Sheng’s tenure will bring meaningful change in how misconduct allegations are handled.” The Alliance emphasized the need for a transparent and timely reporting system, stating that such measures are crucial for rebuilding trust.

Looking Forward

In a statement, Lee Sheng outlined his vision for the IG office. He emphasized the importance of collaboration across departmental units, the utilization of data analytics to identify patterns of misconduct, and the integration of community feedback into investigative protocols. “Our goal is to create a culture where accountability is not an afterthought but a foundational element,” he told reporters.

Sheng also announced plans to hold quarterly town‑hall meetings, allowing residents to directly voice concerns and receive updates on the IG’s activities. He expressed confidence that these forums would “bridge the gap between the department and the community, ensuring that we are both listening and learning.”

The JPPD’s website—linked in the article—features a dedicated section for the IG office, complete with a searchable database of investigation outcomes and a public report on the office’s performance. The department also provided a link to the city’s Open Data portal, where the IG’s reports are archived for public access. In addition, the article referenced a recent interview with the JPPD on local television station WVUE, where Chief Collins discussed the department’s renewed focus on internal oversight.

Conclusion

Lee Sheng’s appointment as the Inspector General of Jefferson Parish’s police department marks a significant shift toward stronger internal controls and public accountability. His blend of military discipline, investigative acumen, and community‑oriented mindset positions him to strengthen the department’s culture of integrity. By setting clear objectives and fostering transparent communication with residents, the IG office is poised to make meaningful strides in ensuring that law‑enforcement practices in Jefferson Parish are both just and trusted.

The department’s proactive steps—highlighted in the article—signal a broader commitment to reform. As the IG office begins its operations, all eyes will be on how effectively it translates policy into practice, how promptly it addresses misconduct allegations, and how it engages the community in the ongoing quest for justice and accountability.