Funding jail consent decree: "For every million dollars requested, the City will need to furlough at least 24 employees between now and the end of the year"
 

Final negotiations on a consent decree improving conditions at Orleans Parish Prison now hinge on funding, according to court documents filed over the past several days in a federal class action lawsuit against Sheriff Marlin Gusman and the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office. To resolve a dispute between city government ? which is reluctant to "write a blank check" to cover the costs of jail reforms ? and the other parties to the suit, U.S. District Court Judge Lance Africk has said he will appoint retired Criminal District Court Judge Terry Alarcon as special master to arbitrate.? [ Read more ]

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