Implementing Reforms to New Orleans's Criminal Justice System
At the request of the New Orleans City Council, Vera developed several recommendations to make its criminal justice system more effective and just based on national good practices. The four reform areas contained in Vera's report—alternative sanctions, pretrial release, expedited charging and disposition, and municipal offenses—would advance more just and effective practices at the core of the criminal justice process.
Following the publication of Vera’s report, the Institute helped to plan and facilitate an historic retreat of criminal justice leaders in New Orleans. Following the retreat, participants formed the Criminal Justice Leadership Alliance and publicly signed a Statement of Commitment pledging to implement several initiatives that grew out of Vera’s recommendations for reform. Appended to the statement were detailed work plans for the next 12 to 18 months. Vera is currently working with members of the alliance to plan and implement these reforms.