NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Experts monitoring the new Orleans Justice Center took the stand Tuesday revealing shocking testimony about the level of violence in the jail calling it “disturbing.” One monitor claimed the staff is not in control of the facility, and too often prison workers have to use force.
Susan McCampbell, who is overseeing reform efforts at the jail, testified that during September to December of last year there were:
- 208 inmate on inmate assaults
- 16 inmate on staff assaults
- 3 alleged sexual assaults
- 16 attempted suicides
- 44 uses of force on inmates
McCampbell also said in most jails, “inmate on inmate” and “inmate on staff” incidents are rare. But at the Orleans Justice Center, it happens daily, and she believes many incidents were not being reported. McCampbell testified that she had to go to medical staff and inquire about suspicious injuries.
Further investigating revealed that out of 150 incidents, including traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and stitches, 119 were not reported.
When questions turned to staff management, McCampbell said the turnover rate is “astronomical,” and the people being hired are not trained or supervised correctly.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman said salary increases for prison workers are needed.
Sheriff Gusman was in federal court Tuesday answering questions on a variety of issues with the Orleans Parish Jail and its operations including budgeting, the classification system, and housing.
The next hearing is on February 12, 216.
