The NOLA Coalition, a collection of over 540 local nonprofits, civic organizations and businesses, strongly urges greater transparency in the search process for the next NOPD Chief, a position that is vital for New Orleans, as the police department strives to continue to improve public safety, while contending with declining officer numbers.
The diverse membership of the NOLA Coalition strongly supported a national search for the next police chief, and advocated for a significant pay increase to a nationally competitive salary. The Coalition was pleased with the selection of International Association of Chiefs of Police to manage the search, as well as the major pay raise supported by the Administration and City Council. As the search process nears its conclusion, however, there is significant concern due to the lack of communication about the process and criteria for determining the finalists.
Increased transparency is critical to the NOPD Chief search process because it will ensure that both the public and NOPD officers have full confidence in the selection of the next NOPD Chief. Failure to provide more information on the search process will be a disservice to both the community and the next leader of the NOPD. The NOLA Coalition requests information on the criteria used in the selection process, as well as a presentation of the full semi-final (33) candidate list and resumes to the Selection Committee and City Council for their review.
The NOLA Coalition commits to working in partnership with the next NOPD Chief to ensure a safer New Orleans for all residents. Consistent with the commitments made at the beginning of the search, the new leader should be chosen in a process that is transparent, expeditious, and engenders trust.
