NEW ORLEANS — The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office is prepared to shelter in place ahead of Hurricane Francine. Sheriff Hutson said that essential personnel, including security staff, are ready to protect detainees in the facility, along with food and water.
OPSO said 154 detainees were relocated from the Temporary Detention Center, which is prone to flooding, to another facility.
Diesel and gas-powered generators will be activated in the event of a power outage to ensure meal preps continue.
OPSO also released some "low-level offenders before a formal emergency declaration was issued. Individuals charged with offenses such as fines and fees, misdemeanor pre-trials, and contempt of court were released," OPSO said in a statement.
Those facing charges related to domestic violence and weapons offenses were not released.
The sheriff's office said key numbers include the following:
- 154 residents rehoused (105 males, 49 females)
- 33 individuals released from custody today
- 28 OPSO deputies are accompanying residents at the secure DOC facility
- 6 Wexford medical staff are onsite at the secure DOC facility
- 4 buses transported residents
- 1 bus transported OPSO and Wexford staff
- 1 box truck delivered essential supplies
- 29 OPSO staff assisted with the evacuation process
- 32 deputies reassigned from Criminal Court duties to support security at OJC
“It is no small undertaking to safely relocate so many individuals with diverse needs. Our staff – from maintenance to transportation, jail security, and medical teams – have gone above and beyond to ensure the safety and security of our residents,” Hutson said.
► Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play.