Police monitor and NOPD sign agreement on strong oversight
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Ronal Serpas signed an agreement this morning with Independent Police Monitor Susan Hutson to share department information.
Public lashes out at jail during week’s first public hearing
Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s Criminal Justice Working Group on Tuesday held the first of two public hearings to get the public’s input on the size of a new jail.
Law Department needs money because of legal policy shift
Continuing a two-week trend of top city officials asking for more money in next year’s budget, leaders of both the Law and the Safety and Permits departments shook their tin cups Tuesday at a City Council budget hearing.
Gusman open to negotiations about how jail is financed
Sheriff Marlin Gusman would be willing to move away from being paid a daily rate by the city per inmate, he told a City Council budget hearing this afternoon.
NOPD feels love from council
The City Council focused on its public-safety budget today, scrutinizing the money it spends on its police and fire departments, ambulance, and emergency preparedness.
Kiss prejudices goodbye
National attitudes are shifting on a particular set of issues, representing a long-term trend that will continue for generations -- and this may coincide with the “Kiss Cam” barrier being broken.
Thousands arrested needlessly on warrants; Serpas makes pledge to end NOPD policy
The New Orleans Police Department arrested 20,000 people needlessly on warrants last year at a cost to taxpayers of almost $2 million, said Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas at a City Council budget hearing this morning.
Council pushes for openness in criminal-justice operations
The City Council held the first of three budget hearings on public safety today, with Councilwoman Susan Guidry leading a charge for more openness and efficiency in the system.
Focus of Lens story gets demolished
The demolition of the Parc Brittney condo complex came after The Lens reported exposed the poorly performing nonprofit that owns most of it.
Smaller jail, revamped funding recommended by consultant
Mayor Mitch Landrieu may consider paying Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman a flat fee to keep city inmates in his jail, rather than the current daily-rate arrangement which a consultant said only encourages more incarceration.
