NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The New Orleans Police Department has released its annual report on recruitment for the 2023 fiscal year.
According to the release, the NOPD received 2,987 applications for commissioned positions. 730 applicants tested and 495 passed. 317 out of the 495 that passed testing, completed background investigations. A total of 158 applicants’ backgrounds were deemed acceptable to be offered positions, according to the NOPD officials. In total, 105 applicants were hired in 2023 commissioned positions.
NOPD leaders said the department saw an increased number of applications from the last two years, with a 13.25% increase compared to 2022 and a 6.43% increase from 2021.
According to the report, the NOPD increased the starting salary for recruits to $42,499. The salary increases to $59,014 or $61,014 with a bachelor’s degree after one year of service. Recruits hired before October 24, 2024, are eligible for a $4,000 bonus after nine months and an additional $5,000 bonus in their second and third years.
“Looking ahead to 2024, the NOPD remains committed to continuous improvement and excellence. We are dedicated to enhancing our engagement with the community, further refining our recruitment processes, and nurturing the professional growth of our officers,” the report reads. “We aim to maintain public safety and foster a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration between the NOPD and the community we are privileged to serve.”
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