August 15, 2023 | From City of New Orleans
CITY OF NEW ORLEANS SELECTS NATIONAL FIRM TO OVERHAUL CRIMINAL JUSTICE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today announced its partnership with Mission Critical Partners (MCP) to overhaul New Orleans’ critically antiquated justice technology systems.
Beginning today, industry experts from the firm will work alongside City project managers to replace decades-old computer systems with advanced, cloud-based technologies. Both MCP’s work and the acquisition of replacement systems will be funded under the $30 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Justice Tech Modernization Program authorized by Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the New Orleans City Council in December 2022.
“After fighting tirelessly for a direct allocation of ARPA dollars, we heard directly from residents that they wanted part of this funding to go towards supporting and improving public safety, and this partnership with MCP is a perfect example,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “The ability to quickly obtain and disseminate information is a crucial tool for fighting crime, and recent advancements in technology have enabled multiple law enforcement agencies to accomplish this effectively. As a world-class police department, it is critical that we equip NOPD with every tool in the toolbox not only to keep our people safe and protected but to also ensure we sustain our 21st-century police force.”
The planned justice tech upgrades will reduce cumbersome, repetitive data entry and paperwork, freeing professionals to pursue their true missions: public safety and public justice. Practical benefits will include:
- Officers will spend less time filing jail paperwork, searching for records and waiting to testify in court
- Sheriff’s deputies will have up-to-the-minute information on the status of charges and required court appearances for individuals in their custody
- Legal cases will proceed more quickly with fewer mistakes
- Fewer court hearings will be rescheduled, relieving victims and witnesses from repeat trips to the courthouse in pursuit of justice
- Transparency and accountability will be enshrined in each of the technological processes
“New Orleans cannot afford the human and financial toll caused by outdated technology in our justice system," said Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montaño. "Given the herculean task this project presents, it was critical that we identify a partner with a proven track record. We could not have hoped for a better partner than Mission Critical Partners, having completed more than 3,000 projects for more than 1,300 clients since 2009.”
“This investment in our Criminal Justice System reflects our commitment to public safety and our respect for the men and women who do this work every single day," said Office of Criminal Justice Coordination Commissioner Tenisha Stevens. "From our officers behind the badge to the men and women in the courthouse, this initiative will drastically improve the work lives of our most important asset — our people. I am very pleased with the selection of Mission Critical Partners, who has a proven track record of completing complex high stakes projects of similar size and scope. The kickoff of this project and the commitment of each agency to work together to make this as effective as possible is a huge win for the City of New Orleans.”
"A modern, connected information system is fundamental to building an effective and efficient justice system for New Orleans," said Chief Information Officer Kim LaGrue. "Mission Critical Partners brings a wealth of experience building data systems across a wide spectrum of justice agencies, both large and small. We look forward to working together, alongside our criminal justice agencies, to deliver the City’s unprecedented commitment to this transformation."
MCP is a leading provider of data integration and security services with extensive experience consulting as an independent agent for local, state and federal government entities. MCP specializes in transforming data and communications networks into integrated ecosystems that improve outcomes in the public safety, justice and healthcare markets. MCP’s previous experience includes:
- Planning and acquisition services to replace the statewide criminal history and biometrics system for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections
- Uniform data standard development and implementation for the Los Angeles County Superior Court
- Data integration planning and implementation for the State of California Administrative Office of the Courts
Additional information about MCP is available at www.MissionCriticalPartners.com.
“Mission Critical Partners (MCP) has helped communities large and small across the country optimize their data to improve public safety and justice outcomes,” said President of Consulting Services at MCP John Chiaramonte. “We commend the stakeholders in New Orleans for their collaborative, shared vision of a modernized justice system and their significant commitment to funding that vision.”
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