The Lens (https://thelensnola.org/category/criminal_justice/page/2/)
The themes of what could be a tough election in 2020 may have already started to emerge. Councilman Jason Williams has criticized DA Cannizzaro’s hardball tactics. Cannizzaro has taken on a tough-on-crime message.
Judge denies much of Cannizzaro’s motion to dismiss the suit, which alleges systematic civil rights violations.
CIty denied a public records request from the defense attorney last summer, claiming it would reveal sensitive information related to terrorism prevention. But civil rights groups representing her say the cameras are, in fact, normally used for routine law enforcement and criminal prosecution.
Hearing is a “comprehensive assessment” of department’s progress. The city was originally asked to broadcast it on public access but declined in a December letter to the court.
Lower courts had ordered the agency to produce fake subpoenas from a 16-month window. With the high court’s denial, those decisions stand.
Software package can track movement and identify objects and people. The suite also includes “predictive policing” software, but officials say the city isn’t using it.
Once the state leader in the use habitual offender sentencing enhancements, Cannizzaro’s office now lags nearby jurisdictions. The change appears related to 2017 criminal justice reform legislation.
Police, DA and city surveillance system get bumps in Cantrell’s budget, but public defender appropriation remains steady. Decreased camera tickets could lead to lost funding for defense.
We balance court budgets on the backs of those least able to pay.
