NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A new survey finds that the public’s satisfaction with the New Orleans Police Department is improving.
The 15th annual NOPD Citizens Satisfaction Survey consisted of 800 telephone interviews with adults who live in New Orleans, taking place from May 29 to June 4.
Based on the results of the survey, satisfaction with the NOPD rose to 40%, up from 31% last year, which was the lowest rating the police department received since the survey began 15 years ago.
“So, again, I think they need to be credited for doing that good work. However, the community is not necessarily feeling it, and the community is not yet seeing it,” said President and CEO of the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation Melanie Talia. “I think it’s important for the NOPD leadership to know that these are weak spots.”
Weak spots include recruitment and retention of officers. More than 60% of those surveyed rate those efforts as either poor or only fair.
Residents were also asked about ways to reduce crime.
“I think that the fact that the community wants to see more technology, including facial recognition, including crime and analytics, is important to note,” Talia explained.
Most residents believe their neighborhoods are safer than the city.
Anthony Jackson, Jr., of the Police Community Advisory Board, says his neighborhood, New Orleans East, feels less dangerous because of police visibility.
“I can say I do not have as much anxiety as I did last year when I arrive at my home at night,” said Jackson.
Other areas covered in the survey include task ratings and state policing.
About 60% of those surveyed think it’s a good idea for the state police to temporarily handle certain local policing duties in New Orleans.
“I feel great. I feel that this operation, Troop NOLA, is long overdue, and I believe that we have pacified the criminal element long enough,” said Jackson.
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