B.B. St. Roman

May 22, 2015 1:25 PM

B.B. St. Roman [formerly Barbara Becker] is the only staff member for the New Orleans Police Department Homeless Assistant Unit. Before helping the homeless, she traveled the world, recording sound for documentaries .... And at one point, she became the tour manager for Dr. John, Louisiana musician and legend. Her film audio credits include Mother Teresa and Shamans of the Blind Country a film ethnography of the Himalayas. TEDx talk, and here's her Facebook page.
posted by latkes (6 comments total)

Via FanFare!
posted by latkes at 1:26 PM on May 22, 2015

n.b.: Not the former wife of Boris Becker.
posted by slater at 1:45 PM on May 22, 2015 [1 favorite]

I'm trying to get in with SFPD. My friends ask me why in the world would I want to become a cop. She is why. Thank you for the beautiful post.
posted by SpottedWasatch at 1:45 PM on May 22, 2015 [1 favorite]

I don't think she's a sworn officer. It would be hard for her to do her job as a sworn officer because the job requires arresting people and a lot of time that isn't the best move. That's why you put a staff member and not a sworn member in that position.

Good for you looking to do one of the toughest jobs out there.
posted by Ironmouth at 1:49 PM on May 22, 2015

Also, she's 68. Most departments have forced retirement at 55.
posted by Ironmouth at 1:50 PM on May 22, 2015

She's a civilian employee of the NoLA PD, which isn't uncommon--most support staff are civilians. 2004 Times Picayune story. She was very resourceful during Katrina, too.
posted by Ideefixe at 2:27 PM on May 22, 2015 [2 favorites]