Advertisement District attorney reveals eight-point plan to address juvenile crime Share Shares Copy Link Copy

The Orleans Parish district attorney held a press conference Thursday to address juvenile crime. District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro scheduled the press conference after a woman was shot to death by a 17-year-old. According to Cannizzaro, juvenile crime is the biggest growing threat to New Orleans. Cannizzaro said he reviews dozens of juvenile cases each week and refers many to diversion programs, but he believes greater measures should be considered, such as incarceration. He proposes restoring funding to provide ankle monitors to juveniles in court, and in some cases, calls for "meaningful consequences" for teens who he believes deserve to be incarcerated. "Our citizens need relief," Cannizaro said. The proposed eight-point plan includes: Enforcement of the curfew in the cityJuvenile court judges getting tougher on repeat offendersDemand supervision by parentsPush to conclude NOPD's federal consent decreeExpand capacity of youth study center and rehab programsPut needs of citizens ahead of outside donorsInvest in expansion of DA's juvenile division staffRequest additional State Police manpower. "The Mayor and City Council still would have much hard work ahead addressing some of the deeper, systemic issues that fuel criminal activity in New Orleans -- education, poverty, income inequality, substance abuse, mental health treatment and more," Cannizzaro said. "But engaging this eight-point plan without delay would provide the juvenile crime relief our citizens so desperately want and so badly deserve."The New Orleans Police Department released a statement following Cannizzaro's news conference. “As the City of New Orleans continues to address the persistent problem of juvenile crime, it’s important that all relevant agencies offer their ideas and solutions. We will continue to work closely and collaboratively with all of our partners in the criminal justice system, including Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro.”