The National Institute of Corrections’ very interesting preliminary findings on our criminal court and pretrial services program were presented to the City Council today.
The NIC notes that court decisions are being made in chambers instead of in public view in the courtrooms, and there is “little transparency” in the court process. The NIC went on to recommend that the city set specific goals for the criminal court and develop a scorecard to monitor whether the court is achieving these goals.
The New Orleans Pretrial Services program, on the other hand, the need for which has been questioned by the court itself and the bail bonds industry, is “aligned with national pretrial standards and best practices.” In bureaucrat-ese, this is high praise indeed. Good work, Vera!
