Citing integrity and a commitment to community policing among the chief qualities they would like in New Orleans’ next police chief, dozens of residents repeatedly returned to the pall cast over the department by ongoing federal corruption and brutality investigations in a public meeting last night, reports the New Orleans Times Picayune. Many speakers suggested to Mayor-elect Mitch Landrieu finding a top cop from outside New Orleans, someone who understands the culture of the city, embraces diversity, and is tuned into the streets.
Landrieu called it “probably the most important decision” he faces, though he acknowledged that reducing crime in the city “requires a lot more than just a well-functioning police department.” While a few residents defended Police Superintendent Warren Riley’s tenure, many speakers said they were generally dissatisfied with the police department’s performance.