Welcome to Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office | Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman

Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman

2008-04-16T04:28:44Z

Marlin N. Gusman was elected Criminal Sheriff of Orleans Parish on November 2, 2004, nine months before Hurricane Katrina made landfall. He was re-elected to a four-year term in the April 2006 primary. The Criminal Sheriff is responsible for the care, custody, and control of incarcerated subjects in Orleans Parish, the Nation’s 8th largest correctional facility. The Sheriff is the Executive Officer for the Criminal Court, responsible for the service of subpoenas and courtroom security.

Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman to Host Free Foreclosure Buying Seminar for Community Members

2010-07-08T15:25:09Z

07-07-2010

WHAT:	Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman will host a seminar for citizens of Orleans Parish to provide them with important knowledge about buying a foreclosed property. No pre-registration is required but confirmation of attendance is encouraged so that adequate materials can be produced in advance. Topics will include foreclosure law, the basics of foreclosure sales and tips for making informed purchases at Sheriff’s Auctions. Sheriff Gusman will also demonstrate how to navigate the Sheriff’s website and view property sales lists six weeks before auction.
WHEN:	7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Tuesday, July 20
WHERE:	421 Loyola Avenue; 3rd Floor Civil District Court Jury Pool Room
WHO:	Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO)

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The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office holds real estate auctions every Thursday at noon in the lobby of the Civil District Courthouse. Properties are advertised in the Times-Picayune for 30 days prior to sale. For more information, please visit www.trulyfreeforeclosurelist.com or call (504) 523-6143.

Alternative Learning Institute Partners with the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office in Honoring GED Recipients

2010-07-08T15:25:09Z

07-07-2010

Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman and The Alternative Learning Institute, a New Orleans Public School in partnership with the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, will honor eight students at a ceremony recognizing their successful completion of the requirements to obtain a GED diploma.

"As Sheriff, I am a tremendous supporter of educational opportunities for all inmates housed in Orleans Parish Prison who are willing to take on this challenge," said Sheriff Marlin Gusman. "Access to continuing education reduces the rate of recidivism, lifts the morale of the incarcerated individuals, and improves our community's quality of life."

Ten additional students will also be honored for passing all or part of the state's high stakes testing program. These individuals received outstanding scores in English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies on the ILEAP, GEE, and LAA2 tests.

Sheriff Gusman will speak to the students about the importance of an education in leading a healthy and fulfilling life.

Local clergy announce new construction training program with funds from W.K. Kellogg Foundation

2010-07-08T15:25:09Z

07-07-2010

On Thursday, July 8 at 10:00 a.m. Sheriff Marlin Gusman and the Isaiah Institute, a group of 30 faith-based organizations, will give a progress report on its 12-week on-the-job-training program for young adults in the greater New Orleans area. The announcement will be held at the Sheriff's Office, 819 S. Broad Street.

With a $400,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Isaiah Institute has been assisting almost two dozen young adults in learning a new skill and gaining stable employment in the construction industry. "Many young New Orleanians hoped and believed that because of Hurricane Katrina, they would have greater opportunity for training and employment. But even though New Orleans is perhaps the largest construction site in the country, for many of our most vulnerable residents, this did not happen," said Rev. Joseph C. Profit, Jr., chair of the Isaiah Institute. "Thanks to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, we can begin to address the issue of a lack of vocational training venues and job opportunities for our young people."

Working with the Isaiah Institute is Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman, whose Day Reporting Center referred some of the trainees. In addition, KBK developers will provide work sites and potential job placement for trainees. KBK is the developer for the new housing located at the former B.W. Cooper Housing development. Moreover, in recognition of the social challenges faced by program participants, Successful Social Services, LLC works with the Isaiah Institute to ensure that all participants complete the 12-weeks. The actual job training is provided by AME Disaster Recovery Services, Dison Enterprises and Hebert Renovations, LLC.

To obtain information on the Isaiah Institute's Work Force Development Program, please contact Joe Givens at (504) 416-0679.

Established in 1930, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports children, families and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society. Grants are concentrated in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Southern Africa. For further information on the Foundation, please visit their website at www.wkkf.org

Sheriff Marlin Gusman Announces That Orleans Parish Crime Victims Received $377,606 in Reparations in 2009

2010-06-10T16:29:53Z

06-08-2010

Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman announced today that local crime victims received $377,606 in reparations in 2009.

"There is no justice for anyone if we don't actively seek greater fairness for crime victims," said Sheriff Gusman. "The Crime Victims Reparations Program is available to victims and families to help ease their burden and hopefully return a sense of safety and security to their lives."

Residents of Orleans Parish received Louisiana's highest total funding to victims, $377,606, or 17 percent of the $2,243,905 given out statewide. Additionally, of the 896 claimants in the state who were granted awards, Orleans Parish provided for 120 individuals, or 13 percent.

The total amount of funds collected for the 2009 fiscal year was $1,376,009 and the average total per award was $2,504. Funds for the CVR Program are derived from costs levied on criminal court cases and from federal grants. No state funds are used for this program.

The Louisiana Crime Victims Reparations (CVR) Act provides monetary compensation for economic losses to victims of crimes involving personal injury and to their dependents in cases of death. It permits recovery for economic losses incurred as a result of a good faith effort to prevent a crime.

To be eligible for awards from the CVR Program, a person must be a victim of a crime which involved the use or threat of force and resulted in personal injury and/or loss of income. The victim's legal representative, dependent or the dependent's legal representative may provide an application to the Board. Additionally, a claim may be filed regardless of whether the offender is known, has been arrested, and/or has been found guilty.

Crime victims can contact the OPSO about the CVR Program by calling
(504) 827-6754 or visiting www.opcso.org.

The CVR Board maintains a website that includes information available to the public about this program, including who may qualify, how to apply for reparations and who to contact for assistance. For more information, please visit www.lcle.la.gov/cvr. Additional resources for crime victims in Orleans Parish are available at www.opcso.org.

OPSO Director of Food Services Receives IFMA Silver Plate Award

2010-06-10T16:13:40Z

06-04-2010

Major Jim Beach was one of nine nationwide award recipients for achievement and leadership

On Monday, May 24, the 2010 International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) Gold & Silver Plate Celebration honored the food industry's most impressive members, which included one of the Sheriff's Office's own.

Major Jim Beach, director of food services for the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, was one of nine Silver Plate Award recipients. Major Beach was recognized in the Specialty Foodservices category. The IFMA noted his accomplishments for "spearheading exceptional operations and exhibiting grace under pressure in a challenging environment."

"The Sheriff's Office is dedicating significant resources to introduce and maintain high-quality standards in how we operate. Major Beach's accomplishment is one of the best examples of the professionals of the OPSO performing at the top of their game in a challenging environment. He deserves and has earned this recognition," said Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman.

For 56 years, the Silver Plate Award has been given to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership in both the foodservice industry and their communities. Award categories included colleges and universities, independent restaurants, health care, chain restaurants, hotels, business and industry, and elementary and secondary schools.

New Orleans restaurateur Ralph Brennan, a past Silver Plate Award recipient, was on-hand at the event.

A jury of trade press editors and previous award winners reviewed hundreds of candidates before selecting the nine 2010 Silver Plate Award winners.

About the IFMA

IFMA brings together the expertise of the Gold and Silver Plate Award winners to help further the development and implementation of industry projects, specifically the need for improved education, training, and manpower recruitment. Award winners also provide a Speakers Forum to voice ideas, recognize outstanding industry achievement, and encourage professionalism and high ethical standards within the industry.

About the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office

The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO) operates the Parish jail facilities, providing for the care, custody and control of incarcerated subjects. The Sheriff's Office executes all writs, orders, and processes of the Traffic, Municipal and Criminal courts. Sheriff's Deputies are peace officers with the full authority to conduct criminal investigations and make arrests within Orleans Parish.

Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Receives Re-Accreditation from National Commission on Correctional Health Care

2010-04-20T16:51:10Z

04-14-2010

The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO) is proud to announce its accreditation by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC).

The NCCHC has awarded the OPSO's Medical Division full accreditation through 2012, which applies to both medical and mental health services. The Commission praised the ability of the Sheriff's Office to provide quality medical care, while coping with the challenges presented during the post-Katrina recovery.

"Accreditation by the NCCHC is difficult to achieve. The Sheriff's Office is one of only three correctional facilities in Louisiana to obtain this certification of excellence," said Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman. "Our Medical Division was an instrumental part of this process, and this achievement demonstrates the hard work and dedication each of them puts forth every day to provide medical care for more than 3,300 inmates."

The National Commission on Correctional Health Care is dedicated to improving the quality of correctional health services and helping correctional facilities provide effective and efficient care. NCCHC grew out of a program begun at the American Medical Association in the 1970s. The standards of the NCCHC are recommended requirements for the proper management of a correctional health services delivery system. These standards have helped correctional facilities improve the health of their inmates and the communities to which they return, increase the efficiency of their health services delivery, strengthen their organizational effectiveness, and reduce their risk of adverse patient outcomes and legal judgments.

This accreditation verifies that the OPSO maintains an efficient, well-managed health care system, in accordance to national standards. The medical programs of the Sheriff's Office also benefit the health of the public, staff and inmates by assuring that incarcerated and released individuals receive quality and appropriate medical care.

"The hurricane's effect on the jail's infrastructure and personnel was significant, but the OPSO's Medical Division has been providing quality medical care since re-opening the jail post-Katrina," said Dr. Samuel Gore, medical director for the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office. "The new (2008) NCCHC standards are rigorous and the transition has been challenging, but we've adapted and modified our processes appropriately to achieve 100 percent compliance with the NCCHC standards for accreditation. Through the cooperative efforts of the medical and security staff, we have been able to reach and maintain full compliance. Teamwork has been the key."

The Sheriff's Office processes approximately 63,000 arrestees a year and each individual receives a medical screening during the initial booking process at the Intake and Processing Center. During a single year, the Medical Division provides more than 58,000 appointment visits, performs 21,000 tests, and supports 650 specialty appointments.

The OPSO's Medical Division is staffed 24-hours a day, seven days a week by Board-certified physicians and a full nursing staff, with daily service to six clinics, specialty psychiatric and medical units, as well as the Intake and Processing Center. Each day, nurses visit every housing tier where Sick Call requests are gathered, patients triaged and evaluated, and prescribed medications administered.

Apart from the routine practice of primary care, the Sheriff's Office implemented new health services for inmates in 2009. The comprehensive sexually transmitted disease (STD) and HIV screening and treatment program was established for all incoming and current inmates. This project is run in partnership between the OPSO, the Louisiana Office of Public Health (OPH) and the City of New Orleans, as well as many other community agencies. At-risk individuals learn more about their health and a plan for treatment is created while they are in the custody of the OPSO for their return to the community.

Through these initiatives, the OPSO's Medical Division created a system to provide access to STD testing for all OPSO inmates. The program provides comprehensive testing and treatment for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and HIV soon after incarceration. Additionally, it provides pre- and post-test education and counseling through the OPSO's partnership with the OPH.
The goal of all OPSO health services is to provide quality health care that meets community standards. All inmates, current and new, benefit from these programs, and they are provided continuing education and other resources. As we rebuild, the Sheriff's Office will be able to introduce additional quality medical and social services in a secure environment. These programs and this accreditation are examples of what public agencies can achieve with prudent management of public resources.

Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office and the New Orleans Fire Department Dedicate Warren McDaniels Work Release Center

2010-03-22T19:11:55Z

03-22-2010

Today, the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) and FEMA officials joined Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman to dedicate the Warren McDaniels Work Release Center.

The Warren McDaniels Work Release Center houses approximately 100 inmates, who possess or are working to obtain full-time employment. While in the work release facility, inmates are transported to and from their jobs by Sheriff's deputies, where their work status is monitored.

"As we rebuild the Sheriff's Office, we continue to focus on rehabilitation as one of our goals for incarcerated individuals," said Gusman. "The Warren McDaniels Work Release Center is a central piece in our rehabilitative mission. The inmates living here have a chance to better themselves. They are provided with counseling, substance abuse treatment, including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and continuing education rehabilitative services."

Currently, 18 work release inmates attend GED classes at Delgado Community College twice a week, accompanied by deputies. Eight work release inmates have completed the course requirements and acquired their GED in the last 18 months.

To qualify for work release, inmates must be classified as minimum security and meet all statutory requirements dictated by the Louisiana Department of Corrections and the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO).

Warren E. McDaniels, Sr., joined the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) in 1969 and became the 9th Superintendent of the NOFD in 1993. He was a strong advocate of adult education and earned a GED himself. This facility is dedicated to his memory and in appreciation for his service to the community.

"Superintendent McDaniels was held in the highest regard by all who knew him," said Charles Parent, Superintendent of the NOFD. "He cared deeply about

keeping this community safe. Memorializing him today is a wonderful gesture to his character and to his family."

This facility was originally a fire house built in 1893. In 1909, it was re-built, and in 1971, it became a fire supply shop. The OPSO acquired the building in 1981 and completely refurbished it after Hurricane Katrina filled the structure with eight feet of water. The two-story facility houses living quarters for inmates, separate locker rooms and bathroom facilities, and deputy offices on each floor, as well as a secured outdoor courtyard and visitation center.

Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Breaks Ground on New Kitchen/Warehouse Facility

2010-03-03T20:07:16Z

03-02-2010

Today, officials from the City of New Orleans and FEMA joins Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman to mark the official start of construction on the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office’s new Correctional Complex.

The new Kitchen/Warehouse facility is the first building of a new, safer, more secure and efficient jail complex for Orleans Parish. It will be a three-story, 163,885 square-foot modern structure that will meet or exceed the standards and codes of the American Correctional Association. The kitchen will be able to serve more than 25,000 meals in a 12- to 14-hour period, if needed. It can also preserve prepared meals in its freezer for up to 45 days.

The central power plant will generate eight mega-watts of emergency generator power, which is enough electricity to run 750,000 square feet of office space. Additionally, the power plant will have 6,500 tons of cooling capacity, which can condition up to 1,000,000 square feet, if necessary. Additionally, the warehouse will feature more than one mile of shelving to provide adequate storage.

This facility is the first project of the new Correctional Complex plan and is estimated to be completed in late 2012.

The contractor for the Kitchen/Warehouse facility is Woodward Design-Build, a New Orleans-based construction firm that specializes in commercial, industrial, medical and hospitality related design and construction. The architectural team includes Sizeler Thompson Brown Architects, Grace & Hebert Architects and Billes Architecture. The project management team, OMK, is a joint venture between Ozanne Construction, Montgomery Watson Harza and Kwame Building Group, Inc.

In several months, the Sheriff’s Office will begin the bidding process for Phase 2 of the Correctional Complex. Phase 2 will include a new inmate housing structure with 1,438 beds, a new permanent intake and processing center and administrative facilities.

Additionally in February the Sheriff’s Office, the City of New Orleans and FEMA commenced demolition of former inmate housing buildings Templeman 1 and 2.

Orleans Parish Law Enforcement Bond Rating Increased By Three Levels

2010-02-25T20:52:59Z

02-25-2010

Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman announced today that national rating agency, Standard & Poor’s, upgraded the bond rating of the Law Enforcement District (LED) of Orleans Parish to an “A” rating on LED’s general obligation bonds approved by the voters in an October 2008 election. This rating is a strong investment grade rating and represents a three-step upgrade from the prior bond rating of “BBB.”

The credit rating upgrade followed a day-long site visit by Standard & Poor’s credit analyst in New Orleans where Sheriff Gusman, Sheriff’s Office staff and Bond Counsel presented detailed information concerning the operations of the Sheriff’s Office and the LED.

“This increase in our bond rating shows a confidence in this office and our actions to operate the Sheriff’s Office and the entire Law Enforcement District in a financially sound manner,” said Gusman. “I am committed to making our jail facilities safer and more modern. The new Correctional Complex is a major step in the right direction. As our bond ratings increase, we can accomplish our goals while acting in a cost effective manner and ultimately saving taxpayers money.”

According to Grant Schlueter of Foley & Judell, L.L.P., bond counsel to the Law Enforcement District, the increase of the bond rating is significant because the LED can sell its bonds at a greatly reduced interest rate, thus decreasing the cost to property taxpayers in Orleans Parish.

The $15 million in bonds currently being sold by the LED will net in excess of $1.3 million in interest savings to taxpayers. The Sheriff received five bids for these bonds today, with the low bid being a 3.93 percent interest rate. After the current $15 million bond sale, the Sheriff’s Office will have $28.225 million of bond authorization remaining from the $63.225 million voters authorized in 2008. The remaining bonds are expected to be issued over the next 24 months. The remaining bonds will also result in lower interest rates due to the rating upgrade, meaning additional savings to taxpayers.

Last week, the Sheriff’s Office, the City of New Orleans and FEMA began demolition of former inmate housing buildings – Templeman 1 and 2 – to make way for Phase 3 of the Sheriff’s Office’s Correctional Complex plan. The new facilities will be modern, up-to-date, technologically advanced housing structures and meet the standards and codes of the American Correctional Association.

On Tuesday, March 2, the Sheriff’s Office will break ground on a new Kitchen/Warehouse/Power Plant. This facility is the first project of the new Correctional Complex plan and is estimated to be completed in late 2012.

Of the $28.225 million in bonds remaining, $22.335 million will be used for the construction, renovation and improvement of criminal justice facilities, including:

Construction of a Forensic Center that will feature state-of-the-art equipment and technology that can be used to solve crimes and in the prosecution of criminal cases,
Improvements to the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s office to improve witness protection and counseling and to allow safe access to the courthouse by crime victims and witnesses,
Renovation of the Municipal and Traffic Court buildings to add facilities for counseling victims of domestic violence and other crimes, and
Clerk of Criminal Court - streamlined evidence storage facilities to ensure the proper care and use of evidence in criminal cases, and
Juvenile Court – construction of a juvenile justice complex that will consolidate and relocate existing facilities.