New Orleans, LA – July 9, 2024 – The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation (NOPJF) today called for the measured continuation of electronic monitoring for juvenile offenders, coupled with a strong emphasis on increased transparency within the Office of Juvenile Justice.
The NOPJF’s statement comes in response to recent comments from District Attorney Jason Williams regarding a specific case involving a juvenile allegedly connected to a homicide while wearing a “deactivated” electronic ankle monitor. While the NOPJF acknowledges the seriousness of the crime and the need for appropriate action, it cautions against a blanket moratorium on electronic monitoring for all juvenile offenders.
“Electronic monitoring has proven to be a valuable tool in reducing recidivism rates and keeping our communities safer,” said Melanie Talia, CEO of the NOPJF. “It’s not that the technology did not work in this case. It’s that it worked, and the courts took no action to encourage the subject’s apprehension.”
The NOPJF is in full agreement with the District Attorney that this was a “dereliction of duty” by the Office of Juvenile Justice. A violent 15-year-old offender with a history of seven counts of aggravated assault, domestic battery, and illegal possession of a handgun should not have qualified for any manner of release. This put the subject’s family and the public at risk.
Further, the NOPJF is not aware of a formal “intensive in-home rehabilitation program” which would adequately address the escalation demonstrated by this subject. This escalation allegedly culminated in the murder of French Quarter tour guide Kristie Thibodeaux during an armed robbery spree June 30, 2024, and that is simply unacceptable.
The NOPJF questions how many violent crimes may have been prevented with the appropriate use of electronic monitoring. The NOPJF recommends a comprehensive review of the current program, consideration for new technology providers, and an analysis of recidivism rates among monitored juveniles.
“Transparency is paramount,” said Talia. “The NOPJF believes the public deserves a clear understanding of how the Office of Juvenile Justice utilizes electronic monitoring and the impact it has on public safety. “The NOPJF calls for the Office of Juvenile Justice to make data on electronic monitoring readily available to all specialized units and detectives of the New Orleans Police Department.
The NOPJF supports the District Attorney’s call for a thorough investigation into the case referenced. The NOPJF believes that all appropriate measures should be taken to ensure the safety of the community. However, the NOPJF cautions against using a single incident to discredit a program that has demonstrably benefited public safety.
The NOPJF encourages a measured response that prioritizes both public safety and the potential for rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. The NOPJF emphasizes the importance of a multifaceted approach that includes electronic monitoring, accompanied by robust social services and educational programs.
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The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation (NOPJF) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making New Orleans a safer place in which to live, work and visit. The Foundation accomplishes this by promoting excellence in policing, efficiency in criminal justice, and positive community engagement. Current programs to enhance NOPD include advanced training, specialized unit support, Tragedy Fund, and support services.
For more information, please visit: www.nopjf.org
