The conference "U.S. Sentencing Reform Experience and Lessons Learned for Macedonia" focused on the need for sentencing reform in Macedonia, which faces inconsistent sentencing and judicial corruption.  Topics included the allowance of plea bargaining and the implementation of sentencing guidelines.  The conference participants consisted of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and others working in the field of criminal justice.

Judge Hunter provided a history of Louisiana's sentencing policies and the development of the Louisiana sentencing guidelines and the Louisiana Sentencing Commission.  Judge Hunter also spoke of the challenges and best practices regarding sentencing guidelines.  In covering these topics Judge Hunter addressed judicial discretion, prosecutorial power, and potential changes to existing sentencing guidelines.  Following the conference, Judge Hunter had the chance to meet individually with members of the Macedonia legal community to provide more in-depth analysis of sentencing guidelines as well as discuss other topics including judicial independence and education, legal ethics, and alternative sentencing.

Mayor Landrieu, Chief Serpas welcome new NOPD Recruit Class

"We are committed to building a robust police department and are recruiting the best and brightest to protect our city," said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "Class #170 represents our aggressive effort to put 150 new officers on the street. I am grateful for their sacrifice, and I look forward to seeing these recruits become officers at graduation."

View photos from new recruit class

"This recruit class is another step toward a better future for the city and its police department," said NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas. "I want to thank Mayor Landrieu and the City Council for committing to funding 150 new officers in 2014 as well as recruiting continuously over the next several years. There has never been a better time to join the NOPD. I encourage anyone who loves New Orleans and is seeking a career in the city to apply."

The recruits will undergo training eight hours a day, Monday through Friday, for a total of 25 weeks or 925 hours of training. Over the next few months, the recruits will learn a variety of skills including, how to take reports from victims, defensive driving and target practice at the shooting range. Recruits will be tased, so they will know what type of force they are exerting should they encounter situations that require they use such force. They will also spend a significant amount of hours in the classroom being versed in legal practices, so that they can effectively work on crime scenes and help to build strong cases for eventual prosecution.

Upcoming NOPD Recruitment Event

On Saturday, June 7, 2014, individuals who are actively seeking employment within the police department will have the opportunity to learn about and start the application process onsite; network and hear the stories of current officers and interface with NOPD leadership from specialized units. The recruitment event will be held at Langston Hughes Academy, 3519 Trafalgar Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants are strongly encouraged to pre-register for the Join NOPD Recruitment Event at nola.gov/joinnopd or by calling NOLA 311.

This event is part of an ongoing recruitment effort to "Get Behind the Badge" launched in collaboration with the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation. The first recruitment event, held on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at KIPP Central City Academy, welcomed over 150 potential recruits.

NOPD offers excellent benefits including a competitive salary, 25-week state-certified law enforcement training; health, dental and vision insurance; and an excellent retirement plan and free life insurance. Applicants must be at least 20 years of age, have obtained a high school diploma or a state approved G.E.D.; and have at least 60 hours of college credits, or the equivalent of two years of full service in the military. The NOPD offers fast track programs for former military servicemen and women that allow you to earn an income while training.