Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson discussed the Safe and Strong Communities Millage Renewal during a community meeting, which was later released as a podcast episode in the "Sworn to Serve" series. The episode explains how the millage funding supports essential services for the New Orleans community and informs residents about the renewal’s impact on public safety and well-being, as reported by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Proposition 1, on the May 3, ballot, aims to renew a millage that will provide $13.1 million annually to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office without increasing property taxes. The funds will support staffing, emergency response, reentry programs, and victim services. Sheriff Hutson stated, "This is not just a law enforcement issue—it’s a community care issue." Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office officials, including Chief of Staff John Williams and CFO Bianka Brown, discussed the impact of the funding. Williams noted, "We treat more mentally ill individuals than any facility in the state. Over 55% of the people in our custody are on a mental health caseload." Brown mentioned, "It costs us $65,000 a week just to feed the people in our custody."
According to the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office on their Facebook page, Sheriff Hutson discussed recent reforms, including providing radios and body-worn cameras for deputies, offering pay raises, accrediting the training academy, and improving internal accountability. At the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, she stated, "We’ve upgraded systems, invested in our people, and created a culture of care. This millage allows us to keep that momentum." Supporters of the millage renewal argue it helps maintain operations, supports victim advocacy, and allows continued community outreach. An anonymous community member referred to the department's work as "it's a dire necessity" for the city's growth. The "Sworn to Serve" podcast, covering the Safe and Strong Communities Millage Renewal, is available on all major streaming platforms.
