Crime was wiped out by the storm but as people returned it came back in several old ways and a few new ones.

There were six murders recorded in the last three months of 2005 in Orleans. As good as that sounds, adjusting for the population that is still about four times the national average. In 2006 things returned to pre-K levels and then surpassed them. Houston police have been busy as numerous murders involving (victim or criminal) New Orleans evacuees have been recorded.

In 2007 the murders continue. Jan 4th saw six murders in one day including an independent filmmaker and mother, the wife of a doctor gunned down in her home, her husband wounded protecting their two year old child. All in what appears to be a case of a mistaken address. Home invasions have been reported, upping the anxiety level of citizens. The police seem ineffective with no witnesses, leads or suspects reported to the public. Police apathy is apparent in following up on some killings, they know the murderer is likely to be killed within a day or two anyway. Fear of reprisals is suppressing witnesses. And if that doesn't sound bad enough, a letter to the editor has been running from a woman who says she witnessed a crime, reported it to authorities and the DA's office hasn't followed through.

As murder has become the primary issue, politicians are hastening to position the murders in the city as drug related gang violence with the recent spike related to unstable postK turf wars. They are almost certainly right. Criminologist Peter Sharp of UNO talks about a core group of a couple hundred predators at the heart of the crime problem and expresses concern that we are trying to arrest our way out of the problem while the courts are inoperative.

In June 2006 the Governor supplied National Guard and State Police to supplement NOPD. By July 2006, witness cooperation is coming to an end as the Criminal Justice System is proving to be an unreliable work in progress. In August US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales visited New Orleans and announced his intention to help by adding attorneys to the Federal Attorney's office.

It seems like the Orleans courts and DA need a slug of money to get the problem solved. They could use the money to hire more lawyers and staff.  The DA could help the police file reports by providing clerical support for the cops so the reports are done right and don't take cops off the street. The public defender's office needs lawyers and staff. The DA needs experienced attorneys. The courts need a place to convene. The clerk of court needs staff to manage evidence.  As 2007 opens we have heard little from Richar Ieyoub in his New Orleans CJS coordinating role. A metro area CJS Board supported by state funds might make more sense.

Ray Nagin continues to complain that the city has inadequate revenue to support the infrastructure.  I think he is right.