NEW ORLEANS — NOPD Tells us, as of Tuesday, there are 898 commissioned officers on the force.
We’re marking about a year since the department hit an 80-year low of 900 officers of less.
Some background: Between May 2021 and April of 2023, the department had a net loss of 287 officers. A report released last August by the New Orleans Inspector General showed the trend was reversing; amping up retention and recruitment.
That was also reflected in the 2023 report, which showed NOPD commissioned 105 new police officers in 2023 and saw a 13-percent increase in applications.
But there’s still an imbalance between recruitment, retention, and retirement, and it will take some time to find it. The department is built for a total of 1,500 officers.
In December, Chief Kirkpatrick said she’d like to be at a minimum of 1,100 officers within two years. And just last month, the department welcomed its newest class of 13 graduating officers.
They’re taking another step forward Wednesday, hosting a job fair.
Prospective officers are welcome Wednesday, Jul. 17 at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary on 3939 Gentilly Boulevard.
The fair will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. You can apply and test onsite. Phone number for more information: 504-658-5575, or go to joinNOPD.org.
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