NCJ Number
221806
Date Published
2007
Length
49 pages
Annotation
This report presents problem-solving recommendations to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) on recruitment and retention following the devastating natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina and its impact on the NOPD.
Abstract
Since Hurricane Katrina, resignations from the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) have increased and recruiting has all but stopped. However, there are measures the NOPD can take to address these problems. This report provides eight recommended initiatives which are classified according to two criteria, cost and immediacy of effect. This classification is to assist the NOPD in their priorities for implementation. The recommendations have been tailored to meet the unique circumstances of the NOPD. These recommended initiatives in relative ranking by goal (cost and timing of impact) include: (1) convert appropriate jobs from officer to civilian, (2) develop a proactive recruiting program, (3) use housing stock to benefit officers, (4) increase frequency of promotion boards, (5) eliminate backlog of PO1-PO4 promotions, (6) focus compensation on recruiting and retention problems, (7) establish a police-oriented charter school, and (8) rebuild police infrastructure. The recommendations were developed from limited exposure to the NOPD and insight gathered from extensive work with large governmental organizations (including police departments) over many years. The report is organized into three chapters. The first discusses the current problems facing the NOPD. The second presents recommendations in five areas: compensation, including housing; the promotion process and career management system; recruiting; the mix of officers and civilians; and ways to improve the morale of the NOPD. The final chapter summarizes the conclusions and recommendations. Tables