Three Port Allen Police Department officers were formally commended this week for their response to a juvenile sexual battery complaint last month — a case that Chief Donovan Mitchell said showed his department's values in action.

Corporal Rushing Juneau, Officer Keddrick Rogers, and Officer Deliysha Batiste — all members of C-Shift — received framed certificates of commendation on June 10, 2026, for their handling of a juvenile sexual battery investigation on May 27, 2026.

"They went out and showed exceptional performance, professionalism, and were extremely sensitive to the situation," Mitchell said. "They maintained their integrity and treated people with proper respect, despite the circumstances."

The commendation was initiated by Assistant Chief of Police and CID Supervisor Revay Anthony Smith, who oversees the Criminal Investigations Division. According to Mitchell, Smith reviewed body camera footage and debriefed with the officers before bringing it to the chief's attention. Presenting the certificates at the council meeting, Smith was direct about where the credit belongs. "It's nothing that I did," he told the council. "It's all what they did, and they deserve it."

Each officer played a distinct role. Juneau, a lead field training officer who joined the department about a year ago, was first on scene and made a critical decision early in the response. Rogers demonstrated professionalism and composure throughout a deeply difficult investigation. Batiste, on the job just three months, sat with the victim, kept her comfortable, and stayed by her side from the scene to the hospital.

"She opened up to Deliysha," Mitchell said. "Her story never changed from the moment it happened all the way to when she made it to the hospital. She just opened the floodgates."

Mitchell said the recognition reflects the standard he set when he hired each officer.

"I sat them down and told them my vision — treat people how you want your family to be treated, despite the circumstances," he said. "They performed in the way I expect."

When asked what cases like this demand that the public rarely sees, Mitchell didn't hesitate.

"Patience," he said. "Lots and lots of patience. You have to take time to assess the whole situation. Collect the dots before you connect the dots."

The certificates were signed by Mitchell and Smith and presented at the Port Allen City Council meeting on June 10. Mitchell said he expects this to be the first of many such recognitions.

"If you've got guys out there going above and beyond in the line of duty, it should be acknowledged," he said.