NEW ORLEANS, LA - On Monday, March 30, 2026, the Criminal Justice Committee convened to hear quarterly report presentations from several organizations, including the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court (OPCDC), New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), and more.
Presentation from OPCDC
Representatives from the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court (OPCDC) spoke before the Committee regarding 1st Quarter updates for 2026. Despite budgetary constraints, the Criminal District Court has maintained normal operations and retained all services and pre-trial operations. This includes specialty courts, the domestic violence program, the mental health court, the veterans' affairs program, and more.
The Criminal District Court has also implemented a new case management system, though it is currently still in the data conversion process. Representatives also reported that in 2024, the OPCDC completed 153 jury trials and 563 state-wide jury trials. In 2025, the OPCDC completed 137 jury trials in Orleans Parish, which represented 24% of all felony trials in the state. 26 of those trials were homicide trials.
Presentation from Orleans Parish Juvenile Court
Representatives from the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court provided an update outlining current staffing, budget constraints, legislative threats, and operational challenges. The court currently operates with 39 staff and a $3 million budget, following the elimination of several positions in 2025, which included youth advisors, coordinators, and facilitators. This resulted in a $342,437 reduction.
Representatives also spoke on legislative items, including Senate Bill 217, which proposes reducing the number of judges and restructuring court administration. House Bill 911 would potentially consolidate all courts into a single district system, merging administrative functions, and possibly eliminating or absorbing the Juvenile Court entirely.
To view the full presentation, click here.
10 Pillars of a Thriving Community
Members of the Criminal Justice Committee Working Group spoke before the Committee regarding the 10 Pillars of a Thriving Community. Although some representatives were not present at the meeting to speak on their specialty pillars, the remaining members spoke on the following: Economic Stability and Legitimate Opportunity, Stable Housing, Youth Development and Educational Pathways, Trustworthy Policing, Access to Services and Daily Necessities, and Cultural Identity and Pride. These pillars represent key areas that the Group and Council are working to improve upon throughout 2026.
Juvenile Justice Intervention Center Presentation
The Juvenile Justice Intervention Center (JJIC) reported progress for Q1 2026 across operations, programming, and youth outcomes. From January to March, the center recorded 84 admissions and 86 discharges, with most youth detained for charges such as robbery, assault, and weapons offenses. There were no critical incidents, and most releases were court-ordered or transfers. The youth served were primarily 15 years old and were reported to be overwhelmingly male (nearly 90%).
The Intensive In-Home and Community Supervision Program aided 73 youth and families, with 16 successful completions, no re-arrests, and ongoing enrollment growth. Education services through Travis Hill NOLA showed strong results, including academic progress, a 100% re-enrollment rate, after release, and ongoing testing and enrichment activities. Additionally, rehabilitative programs with Ubuntu Village began in March, offering over 30 hours of activities each week.
Operationally, JJIC brought back rehabilitative, therapeutic, and structured youth programming, implemented new jail management software, finalized healthcare contracts, and aggressively reduced overtime costs.
To view the full presentation, click here.
Orleans Parish District Attorney Presentation
The District Attorney's presentation highlighted significant improvements in public safety throughout the city. The highlighted improvements include historic reductions in violent crime and increased operational efficiency through staff reductions, resource reallocation, and cost-cutting measures. Homicides were reportedly at a 50-year low, with substantial declines in the following categories since 2022: armed robberies (down 70%), non-fatal shootings (59%), murders (55%), and fatal shootings (61%).
The District Attorney credits these improvements to a comprehensive public safety strategy that combines prevention, targeted intervention, enforcement, and long-term sustainability. Specialized units like the Homicide Unit, SAKI, and SVU are tackling serious and often underreported crimes, such as sexual assault, human trafficking, and child abuse.
The presentation concluded by emphasizing the importance of ongoing collaboration with the City Council to maintain progress and develop long-term public safety improvements.
To view the full presentation, click here.
NOPD Presentation
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) provided an overview of its operations, staffing, crime trends, and ongoing reforms as of March 30, 2026. The department emphasized its strategy to reduce violent crime, which includes data-driven policing through GRIP meetings, collaboration with prosecutors and multi-agency task forces, and expanding the use of evidence-based methods through partnerships like the Violence Reduction Center. Initial measures include targeted enforcement efforts, such as shutting down venues linked to drug activity.
Regarding technology, NOPD has adopted new systems such as Mark 43 for records management and Peregrine for real-time operations, while discontinuing ShotSpotter and launching the Sigma Square pilot program to address cold cases. Recruitment efforts have ramped up, including leadership changes, a new website, social media campaigns, and expanded hiring platforms, resulting in notable increases in applications and test participation.
NOPD provided updates on security in the French Quarter, a transition for DPW, and staffing requests for the DNA lab. NOPD also discussed the 2026 overtime budget, which is set at $23 million. To date, it has spent $6.4 million of that amount.
To view the full presentation, click here.
OIPM Presentation
The Office of the Independent Police Monitor (OIPM) offered a year-to-date overview for 2026, highlighting efforts in police oversight, transparency, and community engagement. The office remains dedicated to collecting and monitoring complaints of officer misconduct via various intake methods to maintain accessibility and ensure widespread community involvement.
Key initiatives include advancing the appointment of a new Independent Police Monitor, conducting an open RFP process, and maintaining a live complaint hotline. The OIPM's early 2026 work plan highlighted efforts such as Mardi Gras monitoring, expanding the Community-District Mediation Program, and promoting accountability through initiatives like the Constitutional Policing Award.
Overall, the OIPM re-emphasized its mission to improve police accountability, ensure compliance, and build trust between law enforcement and the community, while also supporting safer, more effective policing.
To view the full presentation, click here.
To view the meeting agenda, click here.
To watch the full meeting, click here.