For Immediate Release

Media Contact:            Mary Lee Murphy

504.330.0341

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New Orleans Crime Coalition Announces New Chairman,

Jay Lapeyre 2009 - 2010

New Orleans, La. (January XX, 2009) –  The New Orleans Crime Coalition (NOCC) announces the new chairman for the 2009-2010 term. Jay Lapeyre, President of Laitram Corporation, is a founding member of the New Orleans Crime Coalition and will replace outgoing Chairman, Gregory Rusovich.

“It is my honor to serve the New Orleans Crime Coalition in this capacity,” states Lapeyre, “and I look forward to carrying out its mission. The Coalition was formed as a diverse grassroots organization to support and improve all elements of the criminal justice system’s efforts to fight violent crime.  We believe violent crime is our community’s biggest problem, and that protecting lives and property is our city, state and federal government’s most important priority. Together, the Coalition partners will continue the successes that will produce a safer city.” 

The Crime Coalition has worked with city, state and federal officials to support increased resources, effectiveness, transparency and accountability for all areas of the criminal justice system.  Recent support and passage of permanent funding for the Inspector General and the Independent Police Monitor are part of the foundation the Crime Coalition will build on to further improve criminal justice for New Orleans citizens.

About the New Orleans Crime Coalition

The New Orleans Crime Coalition, a citizen-led movement which formed in February 2007 to stem violent crime in New Orleans, exists to work with criminal justice entities by offering recommendations of best practices and to hold said entities accountable for implementing focused, strategic plans that will result in an improved justice system and the conviction and incarceration of violent criminals. The members of the New Orleans Crime Coalition, who united to urge city leaders to focus police, prosecution and judicial system resources on convicting and incarcerating violent criminals, include The Business Council of New Orleans, Citizens For 1 Greater New Orleans, Urban League of Greater New Orleans, Common Good, Court Watch NOLA, Metropolitan Crime Commission, Louisiana Restaurant Association, New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation, Bridge House, Odyssey House, Crimestoppers, Greater New Orleans Inc., Jefferson Business Council, Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, Puentes New Orleans, Inc., Young Leadership Council, Beacon of Hope, and Afterschool Partnership for Greater New Orleans.

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