Some say replacing NOPD Chief Harrison will be tough

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - “His ability to communicate to his troops, in my opinion, made him an effective leader. I think he is going to do a very good job in the city of Baltimore, and they should be proud to have him. Their gain is certainly going to be our loss,” said Orleans District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro.

Cannizzaro said whomever replaces New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Harrison should have his leadership qualities.

“They should have the same attitude, the same work ethic and the same positive motivation to help and work with us to allow us to go after the violent criminals in this community,” Cannizzaro said.

“Whether it’s internal or external, that’s going to be a critical decision for the mayor and her adviser,” said LSU Health criminologist Peter Scharf.

Harrison said he’ll retire by Jan. 19, and Mayor Latoya Cantrell tells FOX 8 she’ll have his replacement by then.

Scharf said finding the next superintendent will be tough.

“Law enforcement is changing, and I think we need fresh ideas and fresh approaches. You want to look at cities where they’ve reduced their violent crime. What did they do there? What secrets can we steal from other cities?” Scharf said.

Scharf said Harrison’s replacement should also be well-rounded.

“You’ve got to get somebody who understands policing and public health, and I think that is the challenge for the mayor, the city and the Police Department,” Scharf said.

“It has to be someone who understands how this department works,” Cannizzaro said.

Cannizzaro said he hopes the next police chief will build on the foundation Harrison has established.

“He understands that the drug trade was instrumental in our violence. They were effective in going after the people who were dealing drugs, trying to get the drugs and guns off the streets. I hope we will continue to have that mentality and that mindset," Cannizzaro said.

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