Mayor LaToya Cantrell readies new task force to tackle soaring crime

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Mayor LaToya Cantrell is planning to convene a new violence reduction task force as an unrelenting tide of gun violence continues to plague New Orleans at the start of the new year.

According to a draft executive order, Cantrell is preparing to create a 14-member group that includes interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork of the New Orleans Police Department, District Attorney Jason Williams, the heads of several city departments, Cantrell administration appointees and other leaders of the city's criminal-justice system.

They will be tasked with a broad mandate to recommend policy and legislative actions at all levels of government.

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“The violent crime reduction task force shall be responsible for developing strategies coordinated amongst all government and community stakeholders for the prevention of violent crime, the apprehension of violent offenders, and (to) ensure comprehensive wraparound services (are) provided to those impacted by incidents of violence,” the draft order states.

The draft order does not specify a time frame or meeting schedule of the task force. It also does not lay out a specific report or work product. However, the task force will be required to brief the mayor, engage City Council members and update the public “as necessary,” according to the draft document.

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