The city's next police chief is already on the NOPD's payroll.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell will selected outgoing Superintendent Michael Harrison's successor from within the department's ranks and will not conduct a national search.
A City Hall spokesman said that Cantrell is expected to announce her selection on Monday.
Harrison announced Tuesday he will retire from the department on Jan. 19 and head to Baltimore, where that city's mayor has selected him to be the next police commissioner.
Cantrell has not tipped her hat as to whom she might select, but insiders told Eyewitness News that Deputy Chief Paul Noel, Harrison's No. 2; Deputy Chief John Thomas, who last year was shot in the line of duty; and Commander Shaun Ferguson, who runs the NOPD academy could all be strong candidates.
The lack of a national search for the next chief is not necessarily a surprise.
The NOPD has been rebuilt during recent years as it worked to come into compliance with the federal consent decree.
On Tuesday, after Harrison's surprised many with the news that he's leaving, the attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge said the success Harrison has had would make it natural that one of his top leaders could be chosen to follow him.
"The successes that Chief Harrison had as chief of the department showed that maybe a national search isn't necessary," said Donovan Livaccari.
It's a change from prior years when the NOPD was criticized for its leadership, said Peter Scharf, an LSU professor of public health who specializes in violent crime.
"Fifteen years ago, you didn't have the talent you have now. And that's much to Michael's credit," Scharf said.
Stay with Eyewitness News on WWL-TV and WWLTV.com for more on this developing story.