Today, a Press Release was issued by the Mayor’s Office that appeared to say that some NOPD officers would be paid one thing and another group of NOPD officers would be paid more during Mardi Gras. The Press Release suggested that the officers who were not being paid as much as their peers could work paid details (extra work after their regular 12-hour shifts) to make up the difference. This article appeared on NOLA.COM seemed to confirm that. The FOP said that was unacceptable.

The message to FOP members is that we have not given up yet. Once plans are solidly in place, I will be happy to share details with our members. Until then, we continue to work with the Mayor’s Office, the CAO’s Office, the Director of Personnel, the Civil Service Commission, Superintendent Woodfork, the NOPJF, and others to make sure that Mardi Gras pay is equitable.

On behalf of Sgt. Willie Jenkins and the FOP Labor Committee and myself, Claude Schlesinger, and the Legal Committee let’s work on quelling the rumors that are making the rounds. I will post an update once I can share more.

Donovan Livaccari, FOP Legal Committee
Sgt. Willie Jenkins, FOP Labor Committee

1/21/2023 – Update from Supt. Woodfork

Message from Interim Superintendent Woodfork

I know many of you have seen information regarding Mardi Gras compensation coverage due to our staffing shortage.

While I welcome any assistance from outside law enforcement to ensure we have a safe carnival season, my position has been and will always remain all officers should receive equal compensation across the board regardless of their respective duties.  

As you are aware Mardi Gras coverage is a collective effort throughout the department which require officers who would normally work their regular police duties to engage in parade coverage which ultimately results in other officers in the districts working additional hours and days to supplement the loss for those assigned to the parade route. 

Furthermore, we are bound by our oath of office to protect the entire city despite special events coverage; therefore, all officers should receive equal compensation. 

In the coming days, we will finalize all aspects of the 2023 Mardi Gras plan including the compensation levels.  I look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure equity in compensation for all officers.

I will provide an update to the rank and file of NOPD with all information once completed.

I appreciate your hard work in preparing for this upcoming Mardi Gras season. 

Thank you for your continued dedication to our community.

Michelle M. Woodfork

Superintendent of Police (Interim)