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The New Orleans City Council passed two key criminal justice reform measures Thursday.
One measure, which was approved on a 6-1 vote, bans the New Orleans Police Department’s use of four controversial surveillance technologies facial recognition programs, characteristics tracking systems, StingRay cellular phone surveillance devices and predictive policing software.
The other measure is an ordinance that would, in the interest of slowing the spread of COVID-19 to inmates and staff in the local jails, require police officers to issue summonses for low-level violations instead of arresting the offenders.
“I am absolutely pleased that the summons ordinance was passed,” Sade Dumas, executive director of the Orleans Parish Prison Reform Coalition (OPPRC) said. “I wish it would’ve happened earlier in the pandemic, but I’m happy that the city council decided to put the needs of residents’ well being and safety before fear.”