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.
Author Archives: Matt Davis
Posted inGovernment & Politics
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.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
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.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
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.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
New coalition wants small jail
Anticipating a draft report this afternoon on the appropriate size of a new city jail, a coalition of smaller-jail advocates have renewed the call for an 850-bed jail in line with national averages.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
No contest: Sheriff snags ankle-monitoring contract
In an unusual move, Mayor Mitch Landrieu awarded Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman a contract in October for more than Gusman originally bid – and for more than the lowest bidder for the same deal.
Posted inCriminal Justice
City Council supports reinstatement of New Orleans red-light camera system
Update: The council voted today 6-1 in favor of the cameras, with Jon Johnson dissenting.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Budget talks focus on transparency, expansion of open-government budget
Today’s City Council budget hearings focused on providing better city openness and customer service, and on the expansion of Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s “open and effective government” budget.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
Gusman’s courthouse threat looms as he awaits payment
The city has until Friday to reach a deal with Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman over security at the Criminal District Courthouse, or Gusman could still cause closure
Posted inCriminal Justice
Courthouse security deal made
The judges in Criminal District Court have met this morning and voted to shut down the courthouse if Sheriff Marlin Gusman pulls his security at noon, as they are expecting, a spokeswoman said.