NEW ORLEANS – Today, the second of three pay raises for the New Orleans Police Department goes into effect, boosting the pay for officers of all rank by five percent. This month’s pay raise follows a five percent increase from January 1, 2015, and precedes a third five percent increase that will go into effect on January 1, 2016. In total, when compounded, the Landrieu Administration will have increased police salaries by 15.8 percent since taking office in 2010, which means a police officer making $45,000 in 2010 will be making $52,093 in 2016.
“Our dedicated police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve our community, and they deserve these pay raises,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “After turning around our city finances when we took office, we have been able to stabilize our budget and give NOPD what it needs to grow and help keep our streets safe, which is my top priority. Along with an aggressive recruitment campaign and millions of investments in the police department, these pay raises are intended to boost both officer retention and recruitment.”
When fully implemented, the new salaries will bring NOPD pay in line with the Louisiana State Police and make NOPD officers among the highest paid officers in the state.
Since 2010, Mayor Landrieu has also dedicated more than $41 million to rebuild and improve NOPD facilities, including new 5th and 7th District stations. He also pledged to fully fund the five-year, $55 million consent decree for better training, equipment and police. He purchased more than 500 body worn cameras, 400 new police cars and 50 motorcycles. He has also funded another 150 police recruits for 2015 and dedicated more than $300,000 for an aggressive NOPD recruitment campaign.
“We asked for help to make the NOPD a better place to work and the Mayor has delivered,” said NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison. “Combined with major investments made in new technology and equipment, these pay raises show that the City is committed to investing in the men and women of the NOPD. Now I’m calling on the New Orleans community to step up and join our ranks. Together, we will rebuild the NOPD and make it the best department in the country.”
