Former New Orleans 911 Director Found Guilty of Insurance Fraud and Misuse of Emergency Authority

Tyrell Morris, the former executive director of the New Orleans 911 call center, has been found guilty on all charges related to a 2023 vehicle crash. A New Orleans jury convicted Morris of malfeasance in office, injuring public records, impersonating a peace officer, and insurance fraud. The trial, which concluded swiftly with a verdict delivered in less than an hour, focused on Morris’s conduct both during and after the incident.

A key issue was Morris’s use of red and blue emergency lights on his department-issued vehicle. Prosecutors argued this was a clear violation of Louisiana law, as only peace officers are permitted to use such lights. Morris claimed he installed the lights for emergency responsiveness and only activated them post-crash for safety. However, witnesses—including the other driver and a retired NOPD officer—testified that Morris was warned against using the lights, and that they contributed to confusion at the scene.

The prosecution also introduced surveillance video and interview footage that contradicted Morris’s account of the events leading up to the crash. Morris had stated he was preparing for a work trip, but the footage appeared to show him at a bar celebrating his birthday. The defense maintained the video was taken on a different day and brought in a friend to support Morris’s claim that he was not drinking that night.

Adding to the controversy, testimony revealed that Morris altered internal policies to exempt himself from post-accident drug testing. With several key witnesses, including his former assistant and the current OPCD director, painting a picture of ethical breaches and misuse of authority, the case raised broader concerns about oversight in emergency service leadership. The Orleans Parish Communication District has since moved to close this chapter and focus on restoring trust and integrity in its operations.