Committee updates Caddo Parish disaster-preparedness booklet; hears constable training and $152,000 Blanchard police vehicle request

Commissioner Epperson told the Public Safety Committee he has copies of a revised disaster-response booklet and asked members to review it for any additional updates before it is distributed more widely. A staff member said the update removed the citizens-disaster-committee section, relabeled the document as Caddo Parish preparedness information, and refreshed contact lists for justice of the peace offices, fire districts and constables through 2026.

"I have copies of last year's disaster response information booklet," Epperson said, asking the committee to confirm additions. He specifically requested that the Caddo Clerk of Court’s office contact information — for obtaining vital records after floods or fires — be added before publication.

Commissioners discussed distribution: staff noted a QR code and small card have been produced to give residents digital access to the booklet at libraries and community centers; one commissioner suggested printing more black-and-white hard copies to reach longtime residents who prefer paper.

During the meeting, a commissioner raised an operational training item for constables and justices of the peace to adjudicate litter and blight. The group said they had contacted Lt. Gov. Nungesser’s office and the "Make Louisiana Beautiful" program about providing training, and staff agreed to follow up on scheduling options (including remote training).

The committee also received a funding request from the town of Blanchard for police equipment. "The town of Blanchard Police Department is now making a request for funding for police vehicles ... 152,000 for 2 police interceptors and a ATV," a commissioner said. Members agreed to consult legal and administrative staff and table the request for consideration at the next formal Public Safety Committee meeting rather than make any commitment at the current session.

Separately, Epperson addressed concerns that a recent perpetrator might have been a veteran. He said he had contacted Overton Brooks VA Medical Center for resources related to mental-health and veteran services and recommended inviting VA and Barksdale Air Force Base representatives to future meetings when incidents involve military personnel.

Why it matters: Updating the disaster-preparedness booklet and clarifying contact points helps residents access vital records and services after disasters; training constables could expand local enforcement options for litter and blight; the Blanchard vehicle request, if advanced, would require legal review and a future budget decision.

The committee tabled the Blanchard funding request pending legal and administrative review and adjourned.