The dysfunctional
criminal justice system provoked a great deal of ire and concern post Katrina.
In response, the Criminal Justice Reform Committee was formed in June 2006. The
committee sought to gain a broad-based understanding of the people and processes
of the local criminal justice system through in depth interviews and the
establishment of relationships of key decision makers.
The committee
compiled their findings into a consolidated and thorough final report, complete
with recommendations for immediate action; published and presented the report
to the Executive Committee of Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans in January
2007. These recommendations included:
•Transparency
and accountability through an integrated communication system linking all criminal
justice components
•A citizens led “watch dog” group
•Creation of a broad based
collaborative to advance reform efforts
