Renewed optimism over reform prospects at New Orleans jail
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal judge expressed renewed optimism Wednesday about the prospects for change at the notoriously dangerous New Orleans jail as court-appointed monitors credited the lockup's new director with improving staff morale.
Enthusiasm was tempered with acknowledgements that the problems that have long-plagued the jail continue, as evidenced by the latest inmate death. Two weeks ago, inmate Kentrell Hurst died while going through detox for substance abuse at the jail.
The hearing was held in the courtroom of U.S. District Judge Lance Africk. He approved a 2013 agreement, known as a consent decree, to settle a lawsuit by inmate advocates and the U.S.