NOPD Chief Kirkpatrick hopes to stay; next mayor will decide

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) -On Friday (July 25) at Gallier Hall, 19 new officers were sworn into the New Orleans Police Department. Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick addressed the graduates of Recruit Class 204 during the ceremony, telling them they’re joining the force during a pivotal moment for the city.

“Violent crime is down to historic lows. Trust is rebuilding in this police department, so you are joining this department at a time when we are making a real difference,” said Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell appointed Kirkpatrick to lead the department after Shaun Ferguson, the former superintendent, retired in 2022. Kirkpatrick was sworn in in November 2023. Since then, the city has seen significant declines in violent crime. Data released this week by the NOLA Coalition shows that overall crime has dropped 68%, while homicides have fallen 67% over the past three years. Public support for Kirkpatrick has remained strong.

“Last fall, when we did the Quality-of-Life Survey, she was the only public official to be above 50% job approval rating. So, people do recognize the job that she is doing as it relates to crime,” Ed Chervenak said.

Chervenak, a political science professor and pollster at the University of New Orleans, oversees the school’s biannual Quality of Life Survey. He attributes Kirkpatrick’s popularity to her perceived impact on public safety.

“Perception is following reality, and as crime statistics show that it’s decreasing, people are becoming more optimistic and they’re giving her credit for that trend,” Chervenak said.

In New Orleans, the police superintendent is appointed by the mayor. With Mayor Cantrell’s term ending soon, it remains unclear whether her successor will retain Kirkpatrick.

“It seems like a no-brainer that they would keep her on. The public seems to be responding to her performance,” Chervenak said.

After Friday’s graduation, Kirkpatrick made her hopes for the future clear.

“I love this police department. I have fallen in love with New Orleans. I would hope that the next mayor would like to keep me because I’d like to stay,” Chief Kirkpatrick said.

In her closing remarks to the graduates, Kirkpatrick reflected on her academy graduation 43 years ago. She told the new officers she’s still doing the work she loves. Whether that work continues in New Orleans will be determined soon. Primaries for city elections are set for Oct. 11.

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