Also, advocacy group VOTE sues the city for quietly shuffling city funds totaling $32 million to the Phase III “special needs” jail.
As Phase III proponents push to break ground on a new “mental health jail,” litigation is supplanting discussion, leaving critical design and staffing issues unresolved and costs ballooning.
Apparent Cantrell administration allocation adds $10 million from unknown source. Also, architects differentiate their jail design from notorious "panopticon" configuration.
Federal judge in Baton Rouge hears arguments about the facility that she allowed to open a year ago.
Earmarked funds were initially slated for greenspace and building improvements.
Among other things, look for a skilled manager, an innovator, who can, despite low manpower, devise strategies to fight crime and move the department away from its long-standing culture of favoritism.
Attorney James E. Boren contends that Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office has too many conflicts to be advising the Board on this matter.
Jail is plagued by too much contraband and use of force by deputies while lacking proper healthcare and classification.
The bills would roll back landmark reforms passed during Edwards’ administration, advocates say
