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
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.
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?
Why did U.S. homicides spike in 2020 and then decline rapidly in 2023 and 2024?
Federal policies and funding to reduce homicides in U.S. cities may change over the next several years, but local and state leaders will continue to play leading roles in violence prevention across the country, along with partners at other civic institutions. We believe the findings in this report offer a hopeful message to civic leaders across the country. The same programs and strategies that have helped reduce homicides and other forms of violence during the past several years and, in some cases, prior to the pandemic in 2020, can also be used to prevent future spikes in murder. Check out the full article here.
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.
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!