Anne Kirkpatrick Tapped as Next NOPD Chief by Cantrell, Sources Say

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is expected to select Anne Kirkpatrick as the next Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). Kirkpatrick, who has over two decades of command experience and previously served as the first female chief of the Oakland Police Department, is set to become the first permanent female chief of the NOPD pending confirmation by the New Orleans City Council. Cantrell interviewed three finalists for the position, including Kirkpatrick, Interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork, and David Franklin. Kirkpatrick's experience in reducing crime rates and her reputation for being decisive, courageous, credible, and ethical were highlighted during the selection process. The council confirmation hearings have yet to be scheduled.