Constance Collins LOVES what she does. As a corporal in the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, it probably seems like a tough job to the average person. But to her, it’s the best job in the world.
After graduating high school at 17 years old, Constance decided to pursue a degree in Computer Programming from Southern Technical College. Which she did. And then fresh out of college, Constance Collins started her career in the municipal realm at the age of 19 years old. She began work in the District Attorney’s Office in October 1989 as part of the Check Enforcement Division chasing down worthless checks. As time went on, she became a member of the “Victim Assistance Team” where she would put on seminars and notify victims of court dates to follow up with them on cases.
Constance was a vital piece of the community working behind the scenes. But she needed something more. She was looking to make a major life decision. Constance wanted to buy a home. The money she was making just wasn’t enough to make that big transition. After 14 years of doing something she loved, Constance made a move in her career. She stayed in the municipal sector, but she moved to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office. A move that not only afforded her what she wanted but would change lives for years to come.
Constance moved to OPSO. She hasn’t looked back. Since joining the department 18 years ago, she served as a bailiff for 10 years for four judges (which is pretty amazing). She graduated from the police academy in April 2009 and now serves as a Crime Scene Unit Team Leader. On-call in this position, she has had to work crimes scenes near and far, oftentimes helping in areas that do not have their own CSU. Constance has also been part of the patrol division. This brings us to where we are today.
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In March of 2014, Constance began a new role. As part of the patrol division, she became the School Resource Officer at Sterlington High School. As you can imagine, that is a unique position. As Constance puts it, “The kids think they’re going to get mistreated because I am an officer. But if you respect them, they respect you.” She says that once she builds rapport with the kids, it’s awesome. Sometimes she’s got to be firm in what she does to “bring em back to Earth,” but in the end, there is that mutual respect there. She said the kids ask her “all KINDA questions.” And she has had several students come back to tell her that they want to be law enforcement officers. But the most rewarding part of her job is building those relationships with the students. Being firm with the students when needed and hugging or high fiving or hand-pounding with students builds those much-needed relationships.
Along with building those relationships with students, Constance has forged additional relationships with teachers, staff, and parents in the community. She can also be found at Sterlington Middle School from time to time and down at Sterlington Elementary School checking in on everyone. “Families in Sterlington know me.” She’ll go check on brothers and sisters of the high school kids and talk to the teachers at the other school. And the parents appreciate the job she does. Oftentimes she can also be seen at athletic events, not as a paid off-duty officer, but as a supporter of those students for whom she truly cares. Mingling with families and talking with those same little ones from the other schools.
With a schedule like that, there’s not much time for hobbies. Constance works hard at what she does. But she loves her job. She enjoys spending time with her family when she’s not working and loves her church. Corporal Constance Collins is the proud mother of one son, Nigel Ford, who is 24 years old. He’s following in his mother’s footsteps currently working at the District Attorney’s Office. Nigel attended the Krewe of Janus Ball with his mother, and they had an amazing time. When asked what it meant to be selected as a Grand Marshal for the 39th Annual Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras parade, Constance said, “I was floored! Just so honored! It blew my mind…blew my top off!”
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| Nigel Ford & Constance Collins |
For all, you have done for our community, and all you continue to do for your community, we salute YOU, Corporal Constance Collins! Thank you for your service and dedication. Congratulations!
