The New Orleans Civil Service Commission has agreed to launch an investigation into the NOPD’s recent promotions delay. At the heart of this matter is an allegation by both the Police Association of New Orleans and the Black Organization of Police, who suggest that Mayor LaToya Cantrell exerted undue influence, possibly related to officers who investigated her former bodyguard, Jeffery Vappie, as reported by
FOX 8 Live.
This inquiry, sparked by said allegations, is set to include an evidentiary hearing on Jan. 10, 2025, this concern arises from a change in the promotions policy that affected several officers already positioned for upward career movement obstacles are not just procedural but deeply rooted in the potential for political interference. Superintendent Chief Kirkpatrick has stated a clear denial of these allegations, insisting that the focus remains steadfast on enhancing the promotions process through cooperation between NOPD and city administration.
Furthermore, NOPD’s Director of Communications, Officer Reese Harper, has commented that the department respects the Civil Service Commission’s decision to review the captain and major promotions, emphasizing a commitment to fairness and transparency in the promotions process, as
Nola.com
reports. Harper’s statement suggests confidence in the department’s internal integrity and hints at a hope that the investigation will resolve any and all issues.
Following the surfacing of concerns about the legitimacy of the testing and grading system for promotions, Superintendent Kirkpatrick put forth a short-term resolution to bring in an external assessor to review officer tests, indicating a proactive stance on the department’s behalf this decision follows complaints that the NOPD has been using internal assessors to review promotion exams.
The Police Association of New Orleans has documented their challenges through a petition, which details the disruption caused to officers who had believed their promotions imminent, now postponed due to the investigation—information obtained from a
WDSU
report. All parties now await the findings of the Civil Service Commission’s inquiry, which may shed light on the politicking that potentially overshadows NOPD’s promotion practices.
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