New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Superintendent of Police Ann Kirkpatrick reacted Thursday to Gov. Jeff Landry’s comments on the New Orleans Police Department and the need for a permanent Louisiana State Police presence in the Crescent City.
On Wednesday, Landry said that federal oversight has left the NOPD “in shambles.”
Mayor Cantrell downplayed the “shambles” comment but said she otherwise is in agreement with the governor, and welcomes any help from the state in ending the consent decree.
“What the governor said was right on; the impacts that the consent decree has had on our department, it’s time for substantial completion,” said Cantrell. “With the leadership of our Chief Kirkpatrick I believe that we’re going to get there.”
Chief Kirkpatrick said the governor gets her thanks for the assistance the state is willing to lend.
“I have met personally with the governor,” the chief said. “I appreciate it, very much, his partnership and his willingness to send us help.”
Landry has long complained that the consent decree, which began in 2013 after the Justice Department said it found a pattern and practice of NOPD violating civil rights, prevents cops from doing their jobs.