“NOLA DDD’s Ranger Program Under Investigation by State Board”

This article is the latest in an exclusive series by “The NOLA Tabloid” in examining the taxpayer-funded New Orleans Downtown Development District and widespread dysfunction & mismanagement affecting its Ranger program.

You may see them walking downtown, the public safety Rangers wear a blue & white uniform emblazoned with colorful DDD patches. The Rangers are part of the DDD’s “enhanced security” services provided to businesses, residents, tourists, and workers in the CBD. The program initially engaged solely in a hospitality role for tourists in assisting with directions, recommendations, and safety escorts. Now, the Rangers are the DDD’s answer in dealing with such quality of life issues as homeless outreach, aggressive panhandlers, loiterers, illegal vendors, and the mentally ill. But is this program being operated legally by the DDD?

“The NOLA Tabloid” has received confirmation from the Louisiana Board of Private Security Examiners that an investigation has been launched involving the DDD’s Ranger program. The State is investigating if the DDD is operating the Rangers illegally as an unlicensed & uninsured security service.

According to R.S. 37:3270 et seq., a security officer requiring licensing in Louisiana is someone who is employed to engage in such activities which include, but are not limited to, “street patrol service or merchant patrol service” in public areas or thoroughfares “in the performance of its security function.”

If the State determines that the Ranger public safety program is operating in the capacity of a security service under its purview, the DDD would have to then register & insure the program and obtain a state licenses, which includes approved training with FBI fingerprint background checks, for each Ranger employee - something that is not in place now.

Is this another example of mismanagement by DDD executives of the Ranger public safety program?

What do you think? “KNOW THE NOLA!” Be sure to like, comment & share! Like on Facebook & Follow on Twitter @thenolatabloid