Prisoners in Louisiana have been evacuated, and even released from custody, as Hurricane Francine wreaked havoc across southern Louisiana.
Local outlets reported that around 150 inmates at the Louisiana State Penitentiary were being transfered into temporary holding, and some low-level detainees from the Orleans Justice Center being freed entirely in anticipation of the storm.
A spokesperson for the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) told Newsweek: “We primarily house pre-trial detainees who are still awaiting their day in court. Most have not been convicted of a crime and therefore are not state prisoners.”
The Orleans Parish Sheriff said that the low-level detainees included people who had failed to pay fines and fees, people in contempt of court, and people awaiting misdemeanor trials. They did not include people facing domestic violence or weapons charges.
Damage done in Houma, LA, by Hurricane Francine
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
All other prisoners were transferred into temporary holding, the location of which was left undeclared as the Sheriff’s office believed that would pose a safety risk. The temporary center was fully fitted with bedding and food for the duration of their stay. It was also used to provide accommodations for security and medical staff who evacuated alongside the residents.
The OPSO spokesperson told Newsweek: “Public safety is of utmost importance & the sheriff does not unilaterally make decisions about release without input from criminal justice partners.”
Sheriff Susan Hutson said in a press release on September 10, “The residents inside the Orleans Justice Center are first and foremost citizens of New Orleans, and we want to assure the families of the men and women in our custody that we are taking every precaution to see that all their needs are met during this disruptive time.”
Parts of southern Louisiana experienced structural damage from Hurricane Francine, which has now been downgraded to a tropical storm.
The hurricane left 300,000 people without power, as the generators were overwhelmed by the storm surge, streets were left submerged in water, and residents of Houma city reported roofs being blown off of buildings and businesses.
Footage from Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans, even showed a generator exploding during the storm.
Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi posted to X on September 12 with an update on how the storms were affecting his state. He said: “As of now, no injuries have been reported, and approximately 51,000 are without power. This is down from a high of approximately 64,000. Over 160 people used shelters last night.”
He added: “Heavy rain is expected to continue through at least this afternoon, so please continue to stay weather aware.”
I want to provide an update on the storms that are impacting Mississippi.
As of now, no injuries have been reported, and approximately 51,000 are without power. This is down from a high of approximately 64,000. Over 160 people used shelters last night.
Several roads are closed…
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) September 12, 2024
It comes at a time when New Orleans has exceeded its city’s maximum for jail inmates. In 2019, the city council set a maximum of 1,250 inmates in its jails. However, by June the number was 1,322, according to local outlet The Lens.
Many of these inmates have been charged with a crime and are awaiting trial. One has spent nine years in custody without being tried, Sheriff’s office spokesperson Casey Ferrand McGee told The Lens in June.
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