Picture yourself dealing with customers in a highly stressful situation. The customers may have legal problems themselves or be the friends or family of those who do. They are often confused and anxious, and sometimes angry or hostile. Your assignment is to assist them by providing accurate and helpful information and to do so respectfully and pleasantly. Your goal is to represent the court as an efficient and impartial institution that treats all citizens with dignity. Welcome to the working world of the Customer Service Specialists, St. Tammany Parish Court Criminal Division.

Fadra White, the team leader, and Teresa Fugate, Debra Peters, Karen Sadowski, and Juanita White have other duties in the Clerk of Court’s office, but those described above are an exceptional challenge. The team members have worked hard to gain the knowledge needed for their job. They have identified the most commonly asked questions and the related answers. They have compiled a training manual that the team leader uses to train every member of the team. Members of the team raise new issues and pursue answers promptly so that citizens receive accurate information.

This effort to provide responsive service is a necessary ingredient in the team’s success. But it is the basic respect, concern, and good will with which they deliver their assistance that has earned them the deep appreciation of their often initially unhappy customers.