Get Involved
OPD Hosts 3rd Annual Second Line for Equal Justice
We will once again join together with our community, our partners and allies in justice reform for our 3rd Annual Second Line for Equal Justice.
With a continued focus on fairness and equity in the criminal justice system, we will call on New Orleans' decisionmakers and leaders to prioritize equitable funding for OPD and public defense in New Orleans, as well as an end to our discriminatory money bail system, and abolishing Louisiana's nonunanimous jury statute.
Make plans to join us on Saturday, November 3!
Want to get involved and join us? Reach out to Lindsey Hortenstine, .
Unanimous Juries and Your Vote: What You Need to Know
On November 6, Louisiana voters will have the opportunity to move toward a more just justice system by abolishing the nonunanimous jury statute.
Louisiana is one of just two states that doesn't require a unanimous jury verdict for felony convictions and the only state to sentence someone to life without the possibility of parole with just a 10-2 jury verdict.
What does this mean? The district attorney doesn't need to convice all 12 jurors that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Even if one or two jurors have doubts, or believe the person is innocent, he or she can still be found guilty. This is not justice.
OPD Launches Community Know Your Rights Series
Together with the Juror Project and New Orleans Councilmember Jason Williams, OPD has launched a Know Your Rights Community Forum series. Through presentation, discussion and an active role-playing scenario, the series will outline the criminal justice system and people's rights within it from stop and search, to arrest and first appearance.
The event is Friday, October 19, from 6 - 7:30 pm at Dillard University's Georges Auditorium and hosted by District D Councilmember Jared Brossett and Dillard's Housing, Health and Community Resources Fair.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information: visit the Facebook event page.
Friday's event is the first in an ongoing series throughout New Orleans. Stay tuned for future dates.
If you'd like to host a Know Your Rights event with your organization or community, please reach out to Lindsey Hortenstine, .
Stay informed and know your rights in court, on the streets, in school, in your car and beyond.
Your Rights to an Attorney:
ACLU’s Guide to What to do if You’re Stopped By Police, Immigration Agents, or the FBI:
LCCR’s Guide to Curfew Stops
Other resources:
ACLU of Louisiana: https://www.laaclu.org
Voice of the Experienced: https://www.vote-nola.org
