Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman has a record of accomplishment...
Elected Sheriff for a third full term, Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman is responsible for the care, custody and control of inmates at one of the urban correctional facilities in the United States. In addition to caring for approximately 2,100 inmates each day, the Sheriff is the Executive Officer for the Criminal and Civil Courts in New Orleans, where he is responsible for the service of subpoenas, courtroom security, and executory process.
Sheriff Gusman is a graduate of the National Sheriffs' Institute (NSI). He is a member of the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) and serves on its Crime Victims Services Committee. He is also a member of the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association (LSA); the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and the American Correctional Association (ACA) where he also serves on its Adult Local Detention Committee. Sheriff Gusman is also a member of the National Correctional Industries Association (NCIA), and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
Following his graduation from Jesuit High School, Sheriff Gusman attended the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, where he obtained a Bachelor of Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts. He received his Juris Doctor from Loyola University and was admitted to the Louisiana State Bar in 1984. He successfully completed the Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at the John F. Kennedy School at Harvard University.
Sheriff Gusman has been praised for his accomplishments during Katrina and for the reforms made at Orleans Parish Prison. Sheriff Gusman is an advocate for rehabilitation and education as a way to break the cycle of crime and violence among young people in New Orleans. He has instituted a Day Reporting Center for probation/parole violators; a regional re-entry program to reduce recidivisms; education dorms and learning centers in the facilities.
Prior to his election as Sheriff, he served as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the highest appointed city official and chief financial officer, of the City of New Orleans in the administration of Mayor Marc H. Morial. In his first bid for public office in 2000, he was elected to fill the City Council District "D" seat, and he was re-elected in 2002. While on the City Council, he served as Chairman of the Council's Budget, Audit and Board of Review Committee, and the Governmental Affairs Committee; as well as a member of the City Park Improvement Association and the Sewerage & Water Board.
He is a member and past President of the Regional Loan Corporation, a member of the Allstate Sugar Bowl Committee, and on the Board for Boys Town of Louisiana, YMCA and several other local organizations.
Sheriff Gusman and his wife, Renee, are the proud parents of Robin (Christian) Gusman Rhodes and Marlin N. (Varsha) Gusman, Jr. and grandparents of Claiborne Jeanminette Rhodes, Clifton John Rhodes, and Priscilla I. Gusman.
Programs for Public Benefit
Young Marines
The OPSO chapter of the Young Marines is in partnership with the national Young Marines program. Youth under the age of 18 enroll for drill, games, field trips, and education.
West Bank Major Crime Taskforce
Deputies assigned to this task force focusing on major crimes and narcotics enforcement on the West Bank.
United States Marshals Task Force
OPSO also participates in US Marshal task force activities, focusing on the apprehension of violent criminals in the Greater New Orleans Area and monitors registered sex offenders in Orleans Parish.
Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE)
DARE is a school-based drug awareness and prevention program for youth. OPSO’s main focus is sixth graders through high-school.
Criminal Patrols
This program focuses on outstanding warrants for violent crimes. Persons wanted for violent crimes are targeted and arrested for public safety. This program is grant funded in partnership with the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and focuses on proactive crime prevention in high crime areas and the apprehension of wanted fugitives.
Day Reporting Center
The Day Reporting Center is a collaborative agreement between the New Orleans Sheriff Office and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections. The New Orleans Day Reporting Center program strives...
Programs for Inmates
Transitional Workforce Center
Department of Corrections inmates who have eighteen months or less and a suitable record can end their sentence in the work release program at the TDC Transitional Workforce Facility.
Low Literacy to GED Educational Services
These services are provided by our educational partners, the Orleans Parish Public Schools’ Alternative Learning Institute (South White Street Female Facility, juveniles held as adults, House of Detention, and Orleans Parish Prison)...
Intensive Incarceration
This program is in partnership with the Louisiana Commission for Law Enforcement and will shortly be introduced at the South White Street Female Facility. Female inmates will receive intensive drug treatment counseling and educational services.
HIV Counseling and Testing
This program is in partnership with the Office of Public Health. All incoming arrestees are offered HIV testing upon arrival. A trained nurse is on hand to counsel the patient on the results. As a matter of course, arrestees...
GED Testing Center
OPSO is a State of Louisiana Department of Education certified GED testing facility. We give a monthly GED test for the public, and test inmate students within secure facilities approximately every two months or as students are ready.
Community Service
Inmates who are considered low risk and who wish to work for the public good are assigned to Community Service, where they perform a number of civic tasks. The Community Service Division also works in partnership with...
Alcoholics Anonymous
This program is available to inmates in the House of Detention and the Warren McDaniels Transitional Workforce Center and will be expanding to other buildings as additional volunteers are gained. There is also a group...