Today, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) reaffirms our commitment to continuous improvement within our agency, guided by transparency and accountability. We reviewed the findings presented in the Office of Inspector General (OIG) report. In our official response to the OIG report titled “Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Off-duty Details and Mardi Gras Pay Audit,” we addressed the key findings in detailed context, highlighting the progress OPSO has made in recent years to improve systems and our staff support tools. efficiency. While we respect the oversight role, we are also committed to ensuring that all reports accurately reflect the complexities and operational improvements within our agency.

Mardi Gras Payment Claims

We welcome constructive dialogue that supports our continued journey toward achieving a just and constitutional environment for all we serve. However, the OIG’s assertion that OPSO deputies were overpaid for overtime worked during the 2023 Mardi Gras season is an inaccurate legal interpretation and mischaracterization that ignores the pertinent facts and misapplies federal regulations. In addition, OPSO’s outside counsel received an informal opinion from the US Department of Labor indicating that the manner in which our deputies were compensated for extended duty during Mardi Gras was consistent with all state and federal laws.

Findings regarding off-duty detail operations

Many of the recommendations regarding OPSO’s off-duty detail operations are being implemented. The detail department is minimally staffed (1 deputy and 1 administrative assistant), outdated administrative processes and policies, and lacks the necessary technology for effective management and follow-up. OPSO is actively working to modernize and strengthen the off-duty detail department through strategic technological, structural and personnel improvements.

— OPSO is in the process of contracting with a technology company to implement a web-based system that will automate about 80 percent of the tasks related to off-duty detail operations, scheduled to go into effect by January 2025.

— OPSO is restructuring the off-duty detail department by appointing a deputy chief to lead and provide oversight.

— An ongoing audit of all policies and forms relating to off-duty details is underway to improve clarity, compliance and efficiency.

— The newly established Inspections Division within the Compliance and Accountability Bureau (CAB) will oversee compliance with administrative protocols and policies specific to off-duty details.

Questions about the inspector general’s integrity and professionalism

We believe it is essential to address not only the report’s findings, but also the wider context in which it was developed. It is apparent that the OIG’s oversight pursuit was overshadowed by a personal and unprofessional agenda of the inspector general himself. We have received reports from a confidential source of documented cases where the Inspector General has made vile, vulgar, and offensive comments about myself and other women leaders in New Orleans in the presence of OIG and other agency personnel.

Since receiving the disheartening news of the IG’s misogynistic view of women leaders, I have tried my best to obtain all information regarding an investigation by the Ethics Review Board in New Orleans, but it has been shielded from the public and me. The IG’s comments, as well as the failure to resolve complaints about them, make it doubtful that any report produced by the OIG’s office is based on the integrity and impartiality necessary for OIG oversight.

I encourage all New Orleanians to read these reports carefully, focusing on the language used, to reach their own conclusion as to whether these are objective constructive criticisms of my administration or biased attempts to disparage a woman in leadership. I implore you to examine not only my administration, but all agencies in New Orleans, especially when they are tainted by leadership that engages in misogynistic, offensive, and reprehensible statements about women, and especially women in leadership.

OPSO remains dedicated to our mission

Our commitment to uphold the values ​​of justice, equality and respect remains steadfast. OPSO will continue to strive for reform and transparency, despite attempts by some to undermine this mission. We urge the community to see beyond the noise of partisan agendas and recognize the work being done daily to ensure that OPSO is a model of constitutional and humane operations. Sheriff Hutson remains steadfast in his commitment to the residents of Orleans Parish and will not be deterred by those who seek to impede progress.