SHERIFF HUTSON'S WORK IS NOT DONE YET

Sheriff Hutson's tenure has been characterized by a commitment to improving on each of six pillars of justice: Care, Custody, Control, Community, Custody, and Collaboration. By working to address underlying shortcomings in each of these pillars, Sheriff Hutson has improved conditions for all who interact with the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office.

In order to accomplish her vision for the youth of New Orleans, Sheriff Hutson emphasizes training and education over incarceration, focusing on recreation, community connection, and family reunification. This includes investment in transformative justice initiatives such as de-carceration classes, model pods, gardening programs, and providing books inside prisons. Additionally, she has introduced vocational training like the barber school Trinity City Art School, and Travis Hill School to prioritize training and education over incarceration. The ongoing programs at the jail aim to equip individuals with the tools for reintegration, fostering personal growth and decreasing the cycle of recidivism.

Coordinated collaboration is critical to effectively deliver transformative justice to Orleans Parish, necessitating strong relationships with community partners & activists, city leadership, providers & educators, and more. From the District Attorney to NOPD to the courts, medical and mental health providers, city, state and federal legislative representatives, teachers, and re-entry programs with grant funding, Sheriff Hutson is working to synthesize all stakeholders for maximum positive impact.

Sheriff Hutson is committed to ensuring the Orleans Parish Justice Center is equipped to provide ethical, compliant, safe, humane justice. By providing adequate training and resources OPJC is working toward complete compliance with the consent decree.


Sheriff Hutson is committed to compassionate care for individuals in the custody of OPSO. Sheriff Hutson is working to ensure no one is left behind in incarceration by implementing equitable policies and procedures like the model pod. She is committed to preventing deaths in custody with efforts to minimize violence and provide quality healthcare, including gender-affirming care. She's dedicated to clean, appropriate housing and believes in summons instead of incarceration when applicable. 



Sheriff Hutson cares about people. Whether OPSO staff or incarcerated individuals, she is committed to ensuring all are provided for and receiving proper care. From a living wage for all OPSO employees, to those currently incarcerated having adequate access to resources, medical and mental health care and open visitiation - including tablets for video visitations, Sheriff Hutson is committed to ensuring all in her care are treated with diginity and respect. 

CONTINUED SOLUTIONS

  • Focus on Reform and Rehabilitation

    Sheriff Hutson has made significant efforts to reform OPSO and prioritize rehabilitation for individuals in custody. This includes developing robust programming at the Orleans Justice Center (OJC) and the Day Reporting Center (DRC), securing grants for reentry initiatives, and advocating for alternatives to incarceration.

  • Community Engagement and Collaboration

    Building trust and partnerships with the community has been a cornerstone of Sheriff Hutson's approach. This is evident in the establishment of community outreach initiatives, collaborations with advocacy groups, and partnerships with organizations focused on reentry and family reunification.

  • Transparency and Accountability

    Sheriff Hutson has prioritized transparency in OPSO operations, evidenced by the launch of a new website, podcast, and phone app aimed at improving communication with the public. Additionally, the creation of an anonymous hotline and increased public records request responsiveness demonstrate a commitment to accountability.

  • Staff Support and Development

    Recognizing the importance of a well-trained and supported workforce, Sheriff Hutson has focused on improving working conditions, increasing salaries, and providing professional development opportunities for OPSO staff. This includes efforts to address the mental health needs of deputies and attract new recruits through a dynamic recruitment campaign.

  • Addressing Challenges

    Sheriff Hutson has faced ongoing challenges, including a rising jail population, staffing shortages, and the need to comply with a federal consent decree. Despite these challenges, she has worked to implement corrective action plans, improve security measures, and advocate for increased funding to meet the demands of running a constitutional jail.

"Every day, we see the consequences of failing to invest in the lives and futures of people and communities affected by the criminal justice system. This is why we are investing directly in the organizations on the ground doing this important work.”