The New Orleans Police Department, established in 1796, consists of over 1,200 dedicated men and women serving as officers and civilians across six bureaus. Our rich history and organizational structure reflect our commitment to serving the city of New Orleans.
Superintendent of Police
With over 35 years in law enforcement and 20 years as a Chief of Police, Superintendent Kirkpatrick brings exceptional leadership to NOPD. Her career spans multiple jurisdictions including Oakland, Chicago, and various Washington cities, where she consistently improved accountability, reduced violent crime, and implemented meaningful reforms. As a former DOJ liaison and current FBI National Instructor specializing in leadership development, Superintendent Kirkpatrick combines practical experience with forward-thinking approaches to modern policing challenges.
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Police Bureaus
Manages consent decree implementation, information systems, performance standards, and policy development to ensure departmental excellence.
Conducts criminal investigations and provides essential police services through eight district offices and specialized units including tactical teams, K-9, marine operations, and traffic enforcement.
Handles specialized investigations through three divisions: Criminal Investigation, Specialized Investigations, and Crime Lab & Evidence, ensuring thorough case management and evidence handling.
Provides crucial administrative support, including recruitment, records management, training, and facility operations.
Maintains public trust by enforcing high professional standards and investigating complaints to ensure departmental accountability.
The NOPD Badge: A Symbol of Service
Since 1855, the NOPD badge has featured a distinctive design combining a crescent, representing the city's shape along the Mississippi River, and a star symbolizing law enforcement authority. This iconic badge carries deep meaning in its hierarchy and traditions.
Badge Rankings and Numbers
Officers and detectives wear badges numbered from 470 to 2999, with patrolmen displaying silver badges while detectives and ranking officers wear gold. Upon promotion to sergeant or lieutenant, officers receive new three-digit numbers, while captains and above wear two-digit badges. District commanders proudly display their district number (1-8).
The Superintendent's Badge Tradition
A unique tradition dating to the 1800s involves the Superintendent's inverted badge - worn with the star above the crescent, opposite to other officers. This symbolizes the weight of leadership and responsibility carried by the department's head. While briefly discontinued by some superintendents, this practice continues today.
Community Involvement
NOPD's commitment extends beyond traditional policing through our Reserve Officer Program, where dedicated volunteers serve with full police authority, and our civilian support programs that enable community members to contribute to public safety while wearing distinctive badges that reflect their specialized roles.
In Memoriam
We honor the brave men and women of the New Orleans Police Department who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community. Their dedication, courage, and commitment to protecting the citizens of New Orleans will never be forgotten.
These fallen heroes embodied the highest ideals of public service and represent the true spirit of the NOPD. Though they are no longer with us, their legacy lives on through the continued work of the department they served with distinction.
We remain forever grateful for their sacrifice and pledge to honor their memory by upholding the values they defended with their lives.
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