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 tirelessly to ensure that decisions made within the criminal and juvenile justice system are informed by reliable data and evidence-based best practices. We strive to identify areas where improvements can be made and work with our partners to implement solutions that promote fairness, transparency, and positive outcomes for all.
The main objective of the Safety & Justice Challenge is to help create rules and programs that will safely cut the number of people in jails by half in all the areas we work with by the year 2025. We also want to make sure that people of all races are treated fairly in the justice system.
Notice of Funding Availability
The Office of Criminal Justice Coordination is pleased to announce a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to support organizations in developing and expanding programs that support and provide direct aid to victims and survivors of violent and non-violent crime. The project is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). For further information and updates on the City's ARPA investments and initiatives, please visit the official website at https://nola.gov/arpa/
The future of our community well-being relies on survivor-centered, trauma-informed services being available and accessible to people who have been impacted by crime. This NOFA will distribute up to $225,000 with the goal of supporting organizations in developing programs that will improve access to services, promote well-being, and support trauma-informed approaches to support victims and survivors of violent and non-violent crimes, which will then be sustained at the conclusion of the project period.
Areas targeted for investment include but are not limited to:
- Programs that provide accessible and trauma-informed mental health counseling to New Orleans residents who have been impacted by crime.
- Programs that deploy crisis support teams to victims and survivors of violent and non-violent crime.
- Programs that provide comprehensive supportive services, such as case management, transitional housing, transportation assistance, etc.
The City encourages innovative and impactful proposals beyond those enumerated above that enhance services and promote well-being for victims and survivors of violent and non-violent crime now and in the future.
The deadline to apply for the available funding is April 5, 2024.
Information Session - A virtual information session for interested applicants will be held on March 20th at 2 PM CDT.
Registration Link - https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/
What is OCJC Reading?
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.
Inconsistent reporting makes it hard to tell how many inmates return to prison. Several states this year have reported lower rates of recidivism, showing that fewer convicted criminals are being re-arrested after leaving prison. Recidivism data tracks the number of convicted offenders who engage in new criminal activities after being released from prison or jail within a specific time frame, typically ranging from one to five years. To learn more regarding inconsistent reporting, 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!