The OCJC is dedicated to fostering a criminal and juvenile justice system that is accountable, coordinated, equitable, efficient, and effective. We believe that by promoting open communication and collaboration among all stakeholders within the justice system, we can create policies and practices that better serve our community.
Our team works to support data-informed decision-making in the local criminal and juvenile legal systems. We strive to identify areas where improvements can be made and work with our partners to implement solutions that promote fairness, transparency, and more equitable outcomes for all.
News
City of New Orleans Mourns the Loss of Legendary News Journalist Eric Paulsen
October 26, 2024 - The City of New Orleans mourns the loss of one of our most beloved and longest-tenured broadcasters, Eric Paulsen. On behalf of our citizens, we extend our deepest condolences to the Paulsen family, friends, colleagues and viewers.
Mr. Paulsen, who spent over 40 years on New Orleans television, passed away on Saturday.
"Eric Paulsen was more than just a news anchor, he was a fixture in our community and a beloved friend to many," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "His dedication to his craft and love for our great city were evident in every story he told. He will be deeply missed."
Eric received love, gratitude, and respect from many throughout his career. He was recently recognized by his colleagues for his undeniable talent and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Press Club of New Orleans and was honored by the New Orleans City Council.
The City of New Orleans is forever grateful for all that Eric gave to our city. We will keep his family in our thoughts and pray that he rest in God's perfect peace.
City Of New Orleans Announces $175,000 For Juvenile Assessment Center Support
NEW ORLEANS – The City of New Orleans has released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) on October 16, 2024, for a technical assistance provider to support the establish of a Juvenile Assessment Center. The project, entitled Juvenile Assessment Center Technical Assistant, is funded by $175,000 of the City of New Orlean’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation. Through ARPA, the City of New Orleans has committed $194 million to fund priority projects that meet the needs of our community, strengthen our local social safety net, and build a safer, healthier community for the future. The deadline to apply for the available funding is October 29, 2024. A virtual information session will be held for interested applicants on October 21, 2024 at 1 pm CST.
This NOFA will distribute up to $175,000 with the goal of supporting an organization provide technical assistance in the establishment of a Juvenile Assessment Center. The selected provider will work closely the Office of Criminal Justice Coordination, Assessment Center Operator, and Youth Justice Collaborative to align the Assessment Center operations with national best practices.
For further information and updates on the City's ARPA investments and initiatives, please visit the official website at https://nola.gov/arpa/.
The Juvenile Assessment Center Technical Assistant application is available starting October 16, 2024, on the Office of Criminal Justice Coordination website at: https://nola.gov/next/criminal-justice-coordination/home/
Juvenile Assessment Center Technical Assistant NOFA Information Session Recording
ATTENTION: Permitless Concealed Carry is Legal as of July 4, 2024
On July 4, 2024, SB 1 (Act 1), which provides the right to carry concealed hsandguns without a permit, will go into effect. For more information, please click here.
Reversal of "Raise the Age" Legislation Will Take Effect Friday, April 19, 2024
On Friday, April 19, 2024, “Raise the Age” legislation will be reversed, and a 17-year-old in Louisiana will be deemed an adult in the criminal legal system. To read the Act click here. In addition to the harmful effects on children and families, this legislation will affect criminal legal system operations. The Office of Criminal Justice Coordination estimates that, as a result of this legislation, the average daily jail population will increase by 26 people with the addition of 17-year-old detainees, based on observations of juvenile arrests and adult jail population over the last 15 months. This represents an increase of 2.3% in the average daily jail population of 1,141 people. For more information on how OCJC arrived at this estimation, please see the linked document.
Please contact Theresa McKinney at theresa.mckinney@nola.gov for any questions regarding jail population estimates and methodology and Adrienne Tobler at adrienne.tobler@nola.gov regarding interagency coordination as it relates to operational changes as a result of this legislation.
OCJC remains committed to working with all of our stakeholders to realize our collective vision of humane and comprehensive justice for all persons at all points in the justice system to ultimately foster safe and flourishing communities.
Criminal Justice Commissioner Tenisha Stevens Issues Statement on Mass Shooting Tragedy
April 15, 2024 - "My thoughts are prayers are with those affected by last night's mass shooting," said Criminal Justice Commissioner Tenisha Stevens. "This tragedy in our community is simply unacceptable. From strengthening weak gun laws to expanding comprehensive programming that addresses the root cause of violence, it is imperative that we establish a culture of accountability at all levels, from our legislature to our criminal legal system. As Criminal Justice Commissioner, I commit to continuing to work with local, state, and federal partners to make our city safer."
New Orleans Recieves Mention from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers During Remarks at the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative Grantee Conference
On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Attorney General Merrick Garland delivered remarks at Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative Grantee Conference. During his remarks, AG Garland noted that New Orleans has achieved a 25% reduction in homicides in the past year. To read the full remarks click here.
As a FY 2023 Office of Justice Programs Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative Grant Recipient, the City of New Orleans, with partners from Ubuntu Village, are in attendance of the conference. To read more about the grant click here.
What is OCJC Reading?
Louisiana Leads Nation for the Most People with State Sentences Held in Local Jails
Louisiana leads the nation for state prisoners held in local jails. More than 14,000, 54%, of Louisiana prisoners in state custody are severing their time in local jails than state facilities. For decades Louisiana relied on parish sheriffs to supplement state prisons with local jail capacity in order to avoid overcrowding at state prisons. To learn more regarding state prisoners held in local jails, check out this Louisiana Illuminator article.
Shortage of Prosecutors Leads to Court Backlogs
Still reeling from the pandemic, court systems are currently working to clear their case backlogs. Many court systems have moved cases faster using virtual court proceedings, online jury selection, and court data dashboards. Several state legislators are focused on shortages of judges and prosecutors. Backlogs in most states are criminal cases. These cases cannot be conducted online due to criminal defendants having a constitutional right to face their accusers. Backlog poses significant challenging for defendants, whose right to a speedy trail. Click here to read more information.
Lynnfield Launches New Program
Lynnfield Police Department and A Healthy Lynnfield launches a new program aim to assist residents in obtaining support for their behavioral health requirements. In this program Lynnfield Police Community Outreach Team are trained in crisis intervention and mental health first aid. This training allows the collaboration of an experienced team to link individuals with services. Click here to read more about Lynnfield’s new program.
Budget
On Novemeber 1, 2023, the Cantrell Administration submitted the proposed budget to the City Council. Creating the City’s Annual Operating Budget is among the most important decisions the Cantrell Administration makes. The City’s budget sends a strong message about the City’s priorities.
- On November 10th, Commissioner Stevens presented the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice Coordination's budget. The presentation is linked here.
- On December 1, the 2024 Budget was adopted. Check back soon for the 2024 Budget Book!