New Orleans Prosecutions Hampered By Poor Police Work
by TChris
Poor police work by the New Orleans Police Department was frequently responsible for the dismissal of criminal charges in Orleans Parish in 2003, according to a report released by the District Attorney's office.
In 57 cases, the charges were tossed because a police officer failed to appear in court. An additional 120 cases ended because there wasn't enough testimony to prove a crime had occurred. Prosecutors tossed another 45 cases, finding them "unsuitable for trial" the report said, without listing reasons.
Another 63 cases were dismissed because judges suppressed evidence or confessions that the police improperly obtained.
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