New Orleans Criminal Justice Committee Meeting – June 29, 2026

Note: The chair opened the meeting stating it was July 29, 2026, but the provided meeting date is June 29, 2026. This summary uses the official date.

The Criminal Justice Committee met on June 29, 2026 to receive quarterly updates from criminal justice agencies, discuss legislative impacts, and approve two funding ordinances related to the demolition of the Gall Manor. The meeting featured presentations from Criminal District Court, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, Juvenile Court, the NOPD, the District Attorney’s Office, the Coroner’s Office, the Clerk of Criminal Court, Municipal and Traffic Court, the Independent Police Monitor, and the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center. Public comments raised concerns about officer misconduct and case transparency.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the May 11, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (3-0).
• Calendar 35481: An ordinance amending the operating budget to transfer funds from the CAO’s office, mayor’s office, and code enforcement for the demolition of the Gall Manor in Algiers was approved (3-0).
• Calendar 35482: The companion ordinance for expenditure of the same funds was also approved (3-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Beldon Batisse: Expressed strong support for NOPD Captain Mishu and praised the work of council members. Alleged that NOPD Officer David Barnes faces sexual assault accusations but has not been disciplined, claiming disparate treatment based on race.
• Shantae Scott (mother of Jasley Scott): Asked why her son was publicly identified as a suspect after being murdered, why no apology was issued, and why evidence handling was inconsistent. Requested release of videos and unsealing of records. Stated the case should be reopened and reviewed.
• Antonia Mar (Freedom Roads Socialist Organization): Spoke in solidarity with Ms. Scott, demanding investigation of Officer Victor Gantt Jr. and firing for policy violations. Called for democratic civilian oversight of NOPD.
• Tony Jones (New Orleans Alliance): Supported Ms. Scott, alleged NOPD intimidation at previous meetings, and requested community oversight. Criticized the DA’s handling of the Jasley Scott case.
• Yolanda Hayes-LeVeg McPherson: Described inadequate notification and lack of communication after her daughter’s 2021 death. Asked the committee to strengthen protocols for family identification and notification.
• Antonia Mar (second comment): Reinforced the call for the DA to take seriously cases involving police, referencing the Jasley Scott case.
• Tony Moore: Spoke about a homicide of a roommate and lack of updates from the DA’s office.

Discussion Items

• Criminal District Court (Judge Warner Lombard): Reported on the new case management system’s growing pains, the impact of Act 217 (reducing three judges by year-end, transferring 546 cases to remaining judges), and the creation of a consolidated Judicial Expense Fund committee. The court held 63 jury trials in 2026 and 137 in 2025. Expressed concern over unfunded mandates from the state.
• Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff Woodford): Presented a detailed update on first 100 days: secured three additional consent decree compliance areas, implemented purchasing controls, hired a new HR officer, continued Beacon jail management system rollout. Reported 48 DOC inmates awaiting transfer, four transferred back due to state bed shortages, and daily cost of housing a female inmate exceeding $200. Asked for restored budget cuts to retain staff and fund infrastructure. Noted safety issues with homemade weapons and ongoing contraband searches.
• Juvenile Court (Chief Judge Candace Anderson, Judge Clint Smith): Presented data on 20% of juvenile arrests occurring during school hours, the SEET program (Student Engagement and Attendance Team) showing 62% improvement in attendance at pilot schools. Announced expungement day (August 1) and back-to-school bash. Reported 35 unexecuted warrants. Highlighted staffing vacancies, a malfunctioning security gate, and the importance of educational engagement via Travis Hill School.
• NOPD (Superintendent Kirkpatrick, Dr. Kelly, Captains): Reported a 21% reduction in murders since 2023, a 105% homicide clearance rate, increased traffic enforcement (16,354 citations year-to-date, up 52%), and $84,000 collected in fines since June 1. Discussed French Quarter security barriers, transfer of 59 parking/towing employees, DNA lab validation progress (needs HVAC fixes), and AC problems at the 2nd and 6th district stations. Commended the 5th District for reducing murders from 30+ to 4 year-to-date.
• District Attorney’s Office (DA Jason Williams): Summarized No Dice initiative seizures (NOLA Tire Kingdom, FATS car wash), joint training with NOPD, and multi-agency effort on illegal tire dumping. Reported obtaining 46 homicide indictments Jan–June 2026. Criticized state cuts: $500,000 reduction in ADA warrants, three fewer criminal court judges, and unfunded mandates. Emphasized collaboration with federal partners.
• Coroner’s Office (Dr. McKenna): Stated the office is critically underfunded (no millage share), needs new coolers for mortuary, and requires blue lights on coroner vehicles to reach scenes quickly. Noted a 10-15% staff reduction. Warned that bodies could decompose without functional air conditioning.
• Clerk of Criminal Court (new clerk): Presented major reforms: new form letters for post-conviction relief requests, improved exemplification process, and a flyer with resource information. Revealed significant record storage issues including mold in storage bins, unlogged evidence, and a storage container with records dating back possibly before 2016. Reported that 2026 monthly reports to the Supreme Court had not been filed. Noted that the office is understaffed (same staff handle elections). Identified gaps in case management – magistrate cases are not counted in Supreme Court reports.
• Municipal and Traffic Court (Judge Mark Shay, Marie Karen): Community Court has screened over 1,200 people, served over 600, and reduced recidivism (47% recidivism rate, down from 20% at other court levels). Cited top charges: theft, trespassing, disturbing the peace. Funded through year-end but applied for federal grants. Online case resolution (OCR) system nearing full rollout. Noted NOPD traffic enforcement increase will increase filings.
• Independent Police Monitor (Stella Cement): Reported 333 complaints of misconduct received by PIB in 2026; OIPM referred 132, 10 resulting in formal investigations. Use of Force Review Board found 71% within policy, 14% violations. Mediation programs: 7 community mediations, 1 post-investigation mediation, 1 district-based mediation. Released 2025 annual report. Requested public input on reappointment of the IPM position; next board meeting July 21.
• Juvenile Justice Intervention Center (Ms. Williams): Reported 96 new admissions in Q2, average stay 80 days, 96% African American. Noted a 5% increase in female population. Highlighted decrease in incidents due to rehabilitative programming, partnerships with LCMC (mental health services) and Travis Hill School (5 graduates). Urgently requested recognition as a public safety agency and additional middle management. Facilities suffering: tiller at 60% capacity, generators non-functional, half of cameras operational, plumbing issues.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Two ordinances transferring funds for Gall Manor demolition (3-0).
• Minutes approved from previous meeting (3-0).
• No action taken on other items; all presentations were informational.
• Directives: Councilmember Harris will meet with Sheriff to discuss budget priorities and tour facilities. Councilmember Green encouraged continued collaboration with state and called for state to stop criticizing New Orleans given its own shortcomings.
• Next Steps: The Clerk of Court will continue assessing record storage and submit 2026 monthly reports to the Supreme Court. The IPM appointment process will continue with a public board meeting on July 21. The JJIC asked for a council visit to see its work.