Public outrage over the brazen escape of 10 men from the Orleans Parish jail is a clear call for the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office and the City of New Orleans to squarely face chronic problems plaguing the jail.
While seven escapees remain at large as of midday May 19, BGR strongly urges public officials to immediately begin mapping out a joint strategy for a safe, secure and high-performing jail.
Their cooperation is critical because of their shared responsibility for the jail, which BGR examined in a 2022 report called Keys to the Jail. Historical disagreements between the Sheriff and the City on how to properly run and fund the jail are emerging again. Regardless, if the conversation ends with another round of finger-pointing, it is a disservice to the public.
Click here to read BGR’s previous reports on the Orleans Parish Jail:
- Keys to the Jail: How New Orleans Can Sustain Jail Reforms through Better Governance (August 2022)
- On the Ballot: Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Tax, April 29, 2023
- BGR NOW: BGR Supports Review of Design and Cost Concerns for Planned Jail Facility (July 11, 2023)
- BGR NOW: Budget Agreement between City and Sheriff Critical to Solving Chronic Problems at New Orleans Jail (September 26, 2023)
- On the Ballot: Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Tax Renewal, May 3, 2025