NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Sworn to Serve, an Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office original Podcast Production, released its first episode titled “My Creator moved me to be here” on Oct. 12. The episode features Sheriff Susan Hutson, OPSO Communications Director and Moderator Casey F. McGee & Crime Victim Services Director Capt. Stephanie Minto.
Sworn to Serve will take listeners inside the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office as Hutson addresses the root causes of incarceration and advocates for alternative solutions. She challenges the systems and structures as she works to create reform from the inside. The show features guests who explain their work in the agency and what it means to be sworn to serve. With two episodes a month available, Sworn to Serve will covers topics such as the challenges and accomplishments within the department, current events and their impact on the day to day work and allow listeners to submit questions for direct answers from Hutson.
“I think it’s important that we tell our own story that we tell you about the hard work of the men and women of this department, understaffed and undermanned, but working really hard and making real change,” Hutson said.
In the first episode, Hutson takes a reflective look at her journey to becoming the first woman ever elected sheriff in New Orleans and the first black woman to be sheriff in the state of Louisiana. The host and moderator address concerns about the rising population at the Orleans Justice Center and work being done to tackle the problem with criminal justice partners. Finally, Capt. Minto joins the conversation to discuss the agency’s efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence in the community and offer support to survivors.
In the follow-up episode to be release on October 26, Hutson will discuss the agency’s transition year, review the findings in the most recent consent monitor’s report and invite the warden on to share about her work to implement a model of change at the Jail.
Listeners can subscribe to Sworn to Serve on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and Audible or visit the official OPSO app to listen to episodes and learn more about the podcast.
