“…..to promote community and social welfare through volunteerism with an emphasis on law enforcement.”

If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in your community, the Reserve Deputy Constable’s Association is looking for you!

The Reserve Deputy Constable’s Association (RDCA) is a non-profit organization focused on serving the needs of the New Orleans community. RDCA membership is made up of individuals interested in performing civic volunteer work with an emphasis on law enforcement. Reserve Deputy Constables are involved in activities such as providing security at school fairs, patrolling at parades, assisting the elderly and possibly assisting Deputy Constables with their official duties.

The RDCA is the realization of Constable Lambert C. Boissiere’s vision when he was elected. It is one of the many ways in which the Constable has expanded the scope of responsibility of his office by reaching out to the community and helping to meet the needs of our citizens.

Boissiere said, I’m thrilled to see this program come together. From the very beginning of my term, my main objective has been to find new ways that the Constable’s Office can serve the community beyond our role in First City Court. The Reserve Deputy Constable’s Association is one means to that end.”

Michael Gelder, director of the Reserve Deputy Constable’s Association, is the administrative and operational commander of the RDCA. He is processing RDCA applications daily to determine whether they meet eligibility requirements. “We’re off to a very positive start,” Gelder said. Several applicants have already received board approval and completed their training. They are ready and eager to begin their first community service project.”

Although the Reserve Deputy ranks are small for now, Constable Boissiere does not intend to place a cap on the number of deputies that will be accepted in to the program. He said, “There’s a lot of work to be done out there in the community, so we don’t want to put a limit on our membership at this point. Our only goal is to build a strong force of high-quality, dedicated volunteers who are serious about helping to improve the quality of life for citizens of New Orleans.”
Law enforcement experience is not a prerequisite for acceptance into the Reserve Deputy Constables Association. Although some deputies have an interest in law enforcement, most come from a wide variety of careers and have varying levels of educational experience. Some Reserve Deputies may want to test a career in law enforcement before pursuing full-time employment. Others simply want to volunteer their time to assist the community while maintaining their present careers.

Joining the organization is simple. Interested applicants must first obtain an application by calling 523-3258, extension 500. Once the application is completed, the RDCA director performs a background check and contacts each of the references that the applicant provides. Each applicant is then screened by the RDCA board of directors. Board-approved applicants must then pass a short aptitude test. The training process can now begin!

These measures ensure that individuals who join the Reserve Division are well qualified and have strong potential to be productive and successful in our program.

The amount of training required depends on the level you wish to join. Training may range from full POST (Police Officer Standards and Training) certification to basic gun safety and annual range qualification.

The following is a description of the three levels of RDCA membership:
Category I Membership
Status: Honorary*

Category II Membership
Annual Dues: $75.00
Status: Non-Commissioned*
Credentials: ID card and badge
Qualifications: 25 annual hours of volunteer service.

Category III Membership
Annual Dues: $75.00
Status: Commissioned
Credentials: ID card and badge
Qualifications: Gun safety course; annual range qualification; course on civil liability; POST weapons training; and 25 annual hours of volunteer service.

*NOTE: Honorary and Non-Commissioned deputies are prohibited from carrying a concealed firearm in accordance with La. R.S. 14.95.

In addition to annual dues, Reserve Deputies are responsible for the purchase of all necessary equipment, including badges, uniforms, protective vests, or weapons. Radios and sometimes vehicles will be provided by the Constable’s Office when necessary.

The required time investment is minimal, and may be determined on an individual basis. However, when joining the organization, Reserve Deputies make a commitment to volunteer at least twenty-five (25) hours per year. Deputies must also attend four meetings per year in addition to the mandatory training.

Applications for the RDCA will be accepted throughout the year. For additional information, contact Mike Gelder at 523-3258 extension 500.

Festivities Focus on Child Safety and Crime Prevention

Child safety and crime prevention took center stage in the grand opening of Constable Lambert C. Boissiere III's New Orleans East Sub-station on August 17.

In response to the rash of kidnappings and other crimes against children during the summer months, the Constable's Office used the grand opening event as an opportunity to educate the community on what we can do to put an end to violence against children. All New Orleans area parents and children were invited and encouraged to attend the free event.

Officer Friendly of the New Orleans Police Department Crime Prevention Office made an informative presentation highlighting child safety tips. Children in attendance were delighted to meet McGruff, the crime prevention dog. Deputy Constables distributed free McGruff Safe Kids Identification Kits to parents. The kit includes helpful crime prevention tips, along with a child fingerprinting ID kit. Free snowballs and popcorn were also given to all who attended.

The grand opening event featured an official ribbon cutting ceremony with Constable Boissiere and family members including his wife, Michelle; baby son, Lambert IV; and father, State Senator Lambert C. Boissiere Jr. Officer Friendly and McGruff also participated.

The Constable's New Orleans East Sub-station is located in Lake Forest Plaza Shopping Center,
5700 Read Blvd. The Sub-Station houses the Office's deputy constables, approximately 20 in number.
The deputies meet at the Sub-Station daily for roll call, to pick up their assignments, to complete their paperwork, and to make necessary phone calls. The Plaza location provides convenient, safe, and easy access to accommodate the deputies' late-night and early-morning hours. It also provides an opportunity for the Constable's Office to contribute to the growth and revitalization of New Orleans East.

As bright, sparkling ornaments and wrapping paper appear on the shelves of nearly every store in town, consumers are constantly reminded that the holiday season is just around the corner!

For the “elves” at the Constable’s Office, it’s a signal that it’s time to prepare for the Annual Holiday Dinner Basket Project.

Each year since he was elected in 1997, Constable Lambert C. Boissiere III has donated packages filled with holiday dinner essentials and goodies to families and individuals in need during the holiday season.

“Due to the nature of this office, we often encounter citizens who have been hit hard by financial crisis,” said Constable Boissiere. “With this program, we can attempt to alleviate some of the extra pressure that holidays tend to place on families and individuals.”

The annual project is funded by donations from the Constable’s deputies and office staff, corporations and private sponsors.

Each basket, which costs less than $25 to fill, contains a gift certificate redeemable for turkey or other meat item; fresh and canned vegetables, dry beans, rice, stuffing mix, macaroni, freshly baked bread, a fresh pie, and coffee and tea.

Past recipients have included residents of YWCA’s Battered Women’s Shelter, Project Lazarus, Hope House, Bridge House, and the Lighthouse for the Blind. Several area churches and needy families and individuals have also received baskets.

To make a donation to the Constable’s Annual Holiday Dinner Basket Project, please contact Regina Bart at 523-3258 or Cesily Roberts at 561-8002. Food donations or financial contributions in any amount are greatly appreciated.