The Search Continues: Mayor Cantrell Selects Anne Kirkpatrick to Lead the New Orleans Police Department but Must Receive Confirmation from City Council.

The Search Continues:
Mayor Cantrell Selects Anne Kirkpatrick to Lead the New Orleans Police Department but Must Receive Confirmation from City Council.

Data News Staff Edited Report

It has been a question to many for months. In this new process of collaboration between two branches of City Government to select the next Police Chief. This week, in a surprising move to some, Mayor LaToya Cantrell selected Anne Kirkpatrick as the finalist for the next Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD).

“Following an extensive, nationwide search, I am grateful that Anne Kirkpatrick has accepted the opportunity to lead the New Orleans Police Department and continue improving our city’s public safety through a collaborative, holistic approach,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

“With over 35 years of experience in law enforcement, coupled with 20 years of leading police departments of even larger municipalities, Kirkpatrick has proven that she is more than capable and has what it takes to now lead the world-class NOPD. The safety and well-being of each and every resident and visitor have always been my top priority, and I look forward to the positive path that is ahead for NOPD, under the direction of Ms. Kirkpatrick, as we continue to do our part to protect and serve the residents and visitors of this great city.”

Kirkpatrick is one of the most tenured police executives in the country, with over 35 years of policing experience and 20 years as a Chief of Police. A Memphis, Tenn. native, Kirkpatrick has a proven track record across a diverse number of jurisdictions for transforming police departments and reducing violent crime. Kirkpatrick most recently served as Chief of Police in Oakland, where she implemented a significant cultural change in terms of increasing police accountability and transparency, improving Procedural Justice and implementing equity-based decision-making. This cultural shift coincided with a 20-year low homicide rate and a decrease in non-fatal shootings during her tenure.

Prior to her tenure in Oakland, Kirkpatrick served as Bureau Chief in Chicago, where she was the liaison to the Department of Justice (DOJ) while the Chicago Police Department was under investigation for patterns and practices of Civil Rights Violations, resulting in a consent decree. Kirkpatrick also served as Chief of Police in the cities of Ellensburg, Federal Way, and Spokane, all in the State of Washington, as well as serving as Undersheriff of the King County Sheriff’s Office. In addition to executive leadership experience, Kirkpatrick is a National Instructor for the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Association’s Leadership Training Program, where she instructs on topics including, but not limited to, Bias and Diversity, Emotional Intelligence, and Leading Generations.

“It is my honor to be the selected candidate to be the next Superintendent of Police for a world-class city and police department,” said Kirkpatrick. “I look forward to the next phase in the process and commit to being fully transparent. I will dedicate my life and 35 years of experience to serving Mayor Cantrell and the City of New Orleans, as well as the brave men and women of the New Orleans Police Department. Together, we will continue to make meaningful strides in the right direction to reduce crime and keep the residents and visitors of this city safe.”

Now that Mayor Cantrell has selected Kirkpatrick as the finalist, the Cantrell Administration looks forward to working collaboratively with the City Council to conduct a confirmation process, as required by the Home Rule Charter.

City Council Vice President Helena Moreno has issued the following statement on the nomination of the new police superintendent:
“All I have asked for during the search for a new police chief is that the very best candidate be chosen in a transparent and fair process. Arguably, transparency has been an issue, but hopefully, more can be brought to light as we move toward the confirmation process. I look forward to learning more about Anne Kirkpatrick, her previous work, and most importantly, her plans to make the City of New Orleans safer and improve our NOPD.”