NEW ORLEANS —New Orleans Criminal Court judges have asked for security amid a frantic search for nine escaped inmates.

Judges confirm to WDSU that many judges have asked the sheriff’s office what security will be provided to them in light of the escape.

Many of the escaped inmates have current cases before the elected judges or have currently been sentenced by the elected judges to jail time.

Several of the escaped inmates have violent histories.

Criminal Court operates seven days a week in New Orleans, and the judges are asking for protection in light of the matter.

There are a total of 12 district judges and one magistrate judge. There are also five bond commissioners who act as judges and preside over initial appearances for people arrested and charged with crimes.

A judge confirmed to WDSU that the sheriff denied the judge’s request for protection but the Orleans Parish Constables Office will provide all judges with security.

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams confirmed that two assistant district attorneys in his office had police protection leaving work and are leaving the city as a precaution to protect their families.

The ADAs directly handled some of the cases involving the escaped inmate.