NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell nominated Anne Kirkpatrick to fill the position of Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department on Monday, Sept. 11.
Kirkpatrick is the former chief of police in Oakland, California.
“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. 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,” said Cantrell.
In July, the names of all six candidates vying for the position were released. Among the candidates was Interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork, a 32-year veteran with the force who stepped into the role after Former Chief Shaun Ferguson retired in Dec. 2022.
During the process of assessments, the group was then narrowed down to three, including Kirkpatrick, Woodfork, and Thedrick Andres Sr., the former chief of police in Henderson, Nevada.
Woodfork reportedly scored the lowest during the interview process, scoring 83% in the analysis presentation, 74% in the structured interview, and 54% in the written exercise.
Kirkpatrick scored 89% in the analysis presentation, 58% in the structured interview, and 64% in the written exercise.
Woodfork told WGNO that she deserves the position, citing a strategic plan activated under her leadership. She added that the promises she’s made have been kept in regard to community engagement.
“I want the residents of the city and the New Orleans Police Department to know that I am the right person for the job. I’ve been here for 32 years and when I came in as interim, I hit the ground running and started doing the work. I am the right person, at the right time in this critical situation, we are doing the work,” said Woodfork.
At a news conference, Kirkpatrick expressed her gratitude for Cantrell’s nomination.
“It is my honor to be the selected candidate to be the next Superintendent of Police for a world-class city and police department. 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,” said Kirkpatrick.
City Council Vice President Helena Moreno responded to the decision by saying, “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.”
The New Orleans City Council will now conduct a confirmation process before Kirkpatrick can assume the role.
Cantrell said she hopes to have the city council’s confirmation by Oct. 5.
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