2023 Q1 Public Safety Update
Public Safety continues to be our top priority and we are charging ahead with new solutions to this age-old problem.
First, we spearheaded the successful effort to bring Rapid DNA testing to the Orleans Justice Center to quickly assess whether arrestees are wanted for outstanding violent crimes. The rapid process, which cuts the DNA match time from at least two weeks to only 90 minutes, prevents the release of individuals wanted for violent crimes if they are arrested again.
Second, we tripled the amount of youth summer job slots to 1000 in the 2023 budget, a number not reached since Katrina. Increasing the opportunities for youth is common sense and helps keep kids safe and enriches their lives.
Third, we authored a new Padlock Ordinance patterned after other cities like Baltimore that will give the City new tools and leverage to address and potentially shutter businesses that harbor violent crime.
Fourth, we turned the frustration around slow NOPD civilization into action by convening a critical-path NOPD Civilian Working Group staffed by key Civil Service, NOPD, and Administration leaders. Working in concert with the Federal consent decree Judge and with the consent decree monitors, the working group is pressing through the red tape and expediting hiring for key Alternative Response and Investigation positions that will lighten the load for commissioned NOPD officers and help increase available manpower.
Fifth, we partnered with the Health Department to buy thousands of gun locks for free distribution to help make firearms safer and less accessible to criminals. In 2022 alone, 1,163 unlocked firearms were stolen as part of vehicle burglaries.
Sixth, we expanded on-the-ground Domestic Violence assistance with a new citywide partnership with the New Orleans Family Justice Center (NOFJC). 10% of all homicides are intimate partner related. Under the new partnership, community-based advocates from the NOFJC contact domestic violence (DV) victims directly after a DV encounter with the goal of providing critical links to services and resources to increase safety and prevent repeat incidents.
While these are the highlights, the work is far from over. We’ll keep pushing for a safer city for all.
