NOPD’s blanket policy of releasing all homicide victims’ arrest records should continue because it informs the public.

After any murder of a human being in New Orleans, the New Orleans Police Department emails tens of thousands of individuals the entire arrest record of the homicide victim. This information gives the public an opportunity to assess the background of the victim and if the victim has lived a violent lifestyle, including the commission of crimes using weapons, such as guns or knives.

The shame or embarrassment of the family should be addressed. Is it more important for family members be spared momentary discomfort or is the dissemination of a public record for the benefit of the whole populace of New Orleans to be knowledgeable of the violent nature of victim/perpetrator? The public has a right to know so that each individual can make up their own mind as to the nature of the crime.

I call on the leadership of our city to support Police Chief Ronal Serpas in the practice of disclosing public record information of both the victim and the perpetrator.