New Orleans jail population has increased significantly, leading to a rise in violent incidents. The surge can be attributed to more arrests, higher average bonds, state inmates serving time at the jail, and an increase in municipal charges. The jail, which has a cap of 1,250, is currently holding around 1,140 inmates. Stabbings, fires, and supervisor walkouts have become common in the understaffed facility. Gun arrests have seen a 70.6% increase, with illegal possession of stolen firearms and carrying of weapons being the main charges. The issue of overcrowding was raised by the City Council, but consequences for exceeding the cap remain unclear.
New Orleans jail swells from more arrests, higher bonds | Crime/Police
The New Orleans jail population has surged due to an increase in arrests and higher average bonds. This has resulted in a series of violent incidents, including stabbings and fires, in the already understaffed facility. Gun arrests, particularly for illegal possession of stolen firearms and carrying of weapons, have seen a significant rise. The City Council has expressed concerns about the overcrowding issue, but it remains unclear what penalties the jail might face if the cap is exceeded.
