NEW ORLEANS - Updated 05-07-2020

Following is a joint statement from Sheriff Marlin Gusman and Compliance Director Darnley R. Hodge regarding ongoing health monitoring of inmates and OPSO staff and contractors, as well as established precautions at the Orleans Justice Center (OJC) related COVID-19 prevention and treatment:

TODAY'S UPDATE:

"In the past 24 hours, one additional OPSO employee has returned to work after recovering from COVID-19 bringing the total number of recovered cases to 25. Additionally, one OPSO employee has tested positive bringing the total number of current positive cases to 43. A total of 50 employees received negative test results in the past 24 hours bringing the total number of negative cases to 303. Fifty-six additional OPSO employees have been tested bringing the total number of tests to 459 with 85 results still pending. As previously reported, three OPSO employees have passed away from COVID-19.

The status of OPSO's contracted medical provider, Wellpath, remains the same with a total of 14 positive cases. Of those, nine have recovered and returned to work and five remain positive and are in quarantine. Additionally, 47 have tested negative and one test is still pending.

Seven employees of OPSO's food vendor, Summit, were tested in the past 24 hours. In total, 18 have been tested, 15 received negative test results and three results are still pending.

The status of OPSO inmates remains the same with 131 positive cases 641 negative cases. Of the total positive cases, 84 are in OPSO custody and are medically segregated for the safety of themselves, other inmates and our staff. Currently, 13 inmates have refused testing and are under quarantine.

In an effort to identify, contain and eliminate the virus from within our facilities a total of 798 inmates have been tested to date. The results of 26 of these tests have not been received but are expected to return in coming days.

Our current inmate population is 834 with 759 at the Orleans Justice Center (OJC)."

Read more: ORLEANS PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE UPDATE REGARDING COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS AND ACTIVITIES (05-07-2020)

NEW ORLEANS - 04-18-2020

As the pandemic continues, victims’ rights advocates and law enforcement officials must raise awareness of those impacted by violence. Factors meant to protect us from the pandemic -- social distancing and stay-at-home orders – could lead to an increase in domestic violence.

That’s why it’s important for  law enforcement officials, victims’ rights advocates, as well as victims and survivors will come together to raise awareness about domestic violence and to highlight resources available to help victims during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19-25.

This year’s theme is “Seek Justice, Ensure Victims’ Rights, Inspire Hope.” COVID-19, advocates say, will not stop their efforts to seek justice, ensure victims’ rights and inspire hope for victims of crime.

Because of social distancing and stay-at-home orders, advocates say they will be getting the word out through social media platforms. Look for social media posts using the hashtags:

#NCVRW, #SEEKJUSTICE, #ENSUREVICTIMSRIGHTS, #INSPIREHOPE, #DENIMDAY, #VOICESAGAINSTVIOLENCE, #WALKFORJUSTICE, #SEXUALASSAULTAWARENESSMONTH.

Activities get underway Sunday, April 19 with a virtual worship service for victims of crime broadcast on Facebook Live from the City of Love Church. 

Additionally, Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman, other local officials and leaders of victims’ rights groups will release videos on Facebook and Twitter voicing their support for crime victims and offering the public resources to help crime victims and survivors.

The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office aids victims and survivors to a host of crimes. In 2019, the Sheriff’s Office provided financial assistance to more than 600 crime victims and made awards exceeding $842,000.

Look for the virtual worship service and the videos under the hashtags: #NCVRW, #SEEKJUSTICE,#ENSUREVICTIMSRIGHTS, #INSPIREHOPE.

On Monday and Tuesday, April 20-21, social media postings continue using the previous hashtags: #NCVRW,#SEEKJUSTICE, #ENSUREVICTIMSRIGHTS, #INSPIREHOPE.

Wednesday, April 22, is Wear Denim Day. Everyone is encouraged to wear denim and post selfies to show your support for sexual assault survivors. (April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month. #DENIMDAY, #SEXUALASSAULTAWARENESSMONTH

On Thursday, April 23, social media postings continue under the hashtags from earlier in the week. #NCVRW,#SEEKJUSTICE, #ENSUREVICTIMSRIGHTS, #INSPIREHOPE

On Friday, April 24, a virtual All-White Balloon Release takes place. Everyone is encouraged to wear white in remembrance of those who have died because of violence and to release a balloon from the safety of your own property. This is in lieu of the Annual Balloon Release held at Bayou St. John. #VOICESAGAINSTVIOLENCE

On Saturday, April 25, everyone is encouraged to maintain social distancing and take a one-mile Walk for Justice in your neighborhood and to photos selfies using the hashtag: #WALKFORJUSTICE.

The Sheriff’s Office Crime Victims Assistance Program is a co-sponsor of the week’s virtual awareness campaign along with the New Orleans Police Department; Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office; Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Crime Victims’ Rights Program, Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office; U.S. Attorney’s Office; the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives; Silence is Violence ; and Alliance for Safety and Justice.

For more information, contact OPSO’s Capt. Stephanie Minto (504-827-6754 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ); NOPD’s Sgt. Latina R. Jolivett (504-658-6795 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ); and Silence is Violence’s Tamara Jackson (504-948-0917 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).