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Study Guide: The New Orleans Police Department: History, Structure, and Controversies

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The New Orleans Police Department: History, Structure, and Controversies Study Guide

Foundational History and Early Policing (1796-1836)

The New Orleans Police Department was established in 1796 under the administration of Baron Francisco Luis Héctor de Carondelet.

Answer: True

Explanation: The New Orleans Police Department was formally established in 1796 during the administration of Baron Francisco Luis Héctor de Carondelet, as crime had reached significant proportions requiring a dedicated law enforcement body.

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Policing in New Orleans from the late 1700s was less militarized than in the Northern United States, primarily due to its focus on urban crime.

Answer: False

Explanation: Policing in New Orleans from the late 1700s was highly militarized, primarily due to its role in controlling large concentrations of enslaved people, a notable contrast to the less militarized forces in the Northern United States.

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Mayor Etienne de Boré's initial appointment of 25 police agents in November 1803 was highly successful and led to a stable police force.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mayor Etienne de Boré's initial appointment of 25 police agents in November 1803 was not highly successful; these agents were quickly forced to resign due to numerous complaints.

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In 1836, New Orleans unified its police forces under a single command structure to improve efficiency.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1836, New Orleans was divided into three separate municipalities, each operating with its own autonomous police force, rather than unifying them under a single command.

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What was the initial reason for the establishment of a full-time police force in New Orleans in the mid-1790s?

Answer: Crime had reached significant proportions, necessitating a dedicated law enforcement body.

Explanation: By the mid-1790s, a full-time city police force was required in New Orleans because crime had reached significant proportions, necessitating a dedicated law enforcement body.

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What significant action did Mayor Etienne de Boré take regarding policing in November 1803?

Answer: He appointed Pierre Achille Rivery as Commissioner General of Police, leading 25 agents.

Explanation: In November 1803, Mayor Etienne de Boré named Pierre Achille Rivery as Commissioner General of Police, leading 25 agents, among other initiatives.

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What major change occurred in New Orleans' police structure in 1836?

Answer: The city was divided into three separate municipalities, each operating with its own autonomous police force.

Explanation: In 1836, the city of New Orleans was divided into three separate municipalities, each operating with its own autonomous police force.

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When was the New Orleans Police Department first recorded as being formed?

Answer: 1796

Explanation: The New Orleans Police Department was first recorded as being formed in 1796.

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19th Century Turmoil and Key Events (1866-1900)

The New Orleans Riot of 1866 was primarily a conflict between rival police factions over jurisdiction.

Answer: False

Explanation: The New Orleans Riot of 1866 was a conflict between a white mob and Black citizens supporting a constitutional convention, prompted by political and racial tensions, not rival police factions.

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The 'Battle of Liberty Place' in 1874 saw the White League successfully overthrow the state government for an extended period.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the 'Battle of Liberty Place' in 1874, the White League occupied state buildings for three days but retreated upon the arrival of federal troops, thus not overthrowing the government for an extended period.

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The largest lynching in American history occurred in New Orleans following the acquittal of Italian-Americans for the murder of NOPD Chief David Hennessey.

Answer: True

Explanation: The acquittal of 11 Italian-Americans for the murder of NOPD Chief David Hennessey in October 1890 led to the largest lynching in American history on March 14, 1891.

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Robert Charles was a violent suspect who killed four police officers and mortally wounded another in a single day in 1900.

Answer: False

Explanation: Robert Charles killed four police officers and mortally wounded another over a period of several days, between July 24 and July 28, 1900, not in a single day.

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What historical event in New Orleans is recognized as the largest lynching in American history?

Answer: The lynching of 11 Italian-Americans in 1891 following the acquittal for NOPD Chief David Hennessey's murder.

Explanation: The lynching of 11 Italian-Americans in 1891, following their acquittal for the murder of NOPD Chief David Hennessey, is recognized as the largest lynching in American history.

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Major Scandals and Misconduct (1980-2000)

The 'Algiers Seven' incident involved NOPD officers torturing witnesses, leading to convictions and civil suit awards for victims' families.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Algiers Seven' incident in 1980 involved New Orleans police torturing witnesses, which led to the indictment and conviction of officers on federal conspiracy charges and civil suit awards for victims' families.

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Officer Len Davis was found guilty of murdering Kim Groves because she was a rival drug dealer.

Answer: False

Explanation: Officer Len Davis was found guilty of ordering the murder of Kim Groves because she had filed a police brutality complaint against him with Internal Affairs, not because she was a rival drug dealer.

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Officer Antoinette Frank was sentenced to life imprisonment for robbing a restaurant and killing three people, including her partner.

Answer: False

Explanation: Officer Antoinette Frank was sentenced to death for robbing a restaurant and killing two children and her own partner, not life imprisonment.

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What was the "Algiers Seven" incident in 1980 primarily about?

Answer: New Orleans police torturing witnesses to obtain false statements after an officer's death.

Explanation: The 'Algiers Seven' incident in 1980 primarily involved New Orleans police torturing witnesses to obtain false statements after an officer's death.

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Why was Officer Len Davis found guilty of ordering the murder of Kim Groves in 1994?

Answer: Groves had filed a police brutality complaint against Davis with Internal Affairs.

Explanation: Officer Len Davis was found guilty of ordering the murder of Kim Groves because she had filed a police brutality complaint against him with Internal Affairs.

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What actions did Officer Antoinette Frank commit on March 4, 1995?

Answer: She robbed a restaurant and killed two children and her own partner.

Explanation: On March 4, 1995, Officer Antoinette Frank robbed a restaurant and killed two children and her own partner.

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Hurricane Katrina: Crisis and Aftermath (2005-2011)

After Hurricane Katrina, 91 NOPD officers were investigated for abandoning their posts, and 228 resigned or retired.

Answer: False

Explanation: After Hurricane Katrina, 91 NOPD officers resigned or retired, while 228 were investigated for abandoning their posts, which is the inverse of the statement.

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The 'Danziger Bridge shootings' case was ultimately dismissed against all officers due to prosecutorial misconduct.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the initial murder charges in the 'Danziger Bridge shootings' case were dismissed due to prosecutorial misconduct, five officers were later convicted by a federal court jury for civil rights deprivation and cover-up related to the incident.

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The beating of Robert Davis by NOPD officers in 2005 was captured on video by a local news crew.

Answer: True

Explanation: The beating of Robert Davis by NOPD officers in October 2005 was indeed videotaped by an Associated Press crew.

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Captain Jeff Winn was fired in 2011 for his direct involvement in the killing of Henry Glover.

Answer: False

Explanation: Captain Jeff Winn was fired in 2011 for concealing details concerning the killing of Henry Glover, not for direct involvement in the killing itself.

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Over 200 NOPD officers deserted during Hurricane Katrina, and 85% of those who deserted were eventually terminated.

Answer: True

Explanation: Over 200 NOPD officers deserted the city during Hurricane Katrina, and after tribunal-like hearings, 85% of those who deserted were indeed terminated.

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How many NOPD officers were investigated for abandoning their posts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005?

Answer: 228

Explanation: In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, 228 NOPD officers were investigated for abandoning their posts.

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What was the ultimate legal outcome for the five NOPD officers involved in the "Danziger Bridge shootings" in August 2011?

Answer: They were convicted by a federal court jury for civil rights deprivation and cover-up.

Explanation: In August 2011, a federal court jury convicted five NOPD officers for civil rights deprivation and cover-up related to the 'Danziger Bridge shootings'.

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What was notable about the "Beating of Robert Davis" incident in October 2005?

Answer: It was videotaped by an Associated Press crew.

Explanation: The 'Beating of Robert Davis' incident in October 2005 was notable because it was videotaped by an Associated Press crew.

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What special recognition was given to NOPD officers who remained in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina?

Answer: A Hurricane Katrina lapel pin.

Explanation: NOPD officers who remained in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina were awarded a Hurricane Katrina lapel pin.

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Modern Reforms, Oversight, and Contemporary Issues (2011-Present)

The 2011 U.S. Department of Justice report praised the NOPD for its clear policies and strong accountability mechanisms.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2011 U.S. Department of Justice report found the NOPD to be a 'troubled agency' lacking clear policies, adequate training, accountability, and citizen confidence, rather than praising it.

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As a result of the 2011 DOJ investigation, the NOPD voluntarily implemented sweeping reforms without external oversight.

Answer: False

Explanation: As a result of the 2011 DOJ investigation, the NOPD entered into a federal consent decree in 2012, which required sweeping reforms under external oversight, not voluntary implementation without it.

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In mid-2015, the NOPD was clearing over two-thirds of its homicide cases, indicating improved investigative capabilities.

Answer: False

Explanation: In mid-2015, press reports indicated that the NOPD was able to clear less than a third of its homicide cases, not over two-thirds.

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Officer Joshua Colclough was acquitted of all charges in the killing of Wendell Allen due to self-defense claims.

Answer: False

Explanation: Officer Joshua Colclough pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the killing of Wendell Allen and was sentenced to four years in jail, rather than being acquitted due to self-defense claims.

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The Independent Police Monitor praised the NOPD's thorough investigation into the Wendell Allen shooting, noting their adherence to the DOJ consent decree.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Independent Police Monitor accused the NOPD of whitewashing details, violating the DOJ consent decree, and ignoring video evidence in the Wendell Allen shooting investigation, rather than praising it.

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Detective Desmond Pratt lost his police certification in Louisiana immediately after pleading guilty to sexual assault.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite pleading guilty to sexual assault, Detective Desmond Pratt has not lost his police certification in Louisiana, highlighting the rarity of such decertifications in the state.

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What were the key findings of the U.S. Department of Justice's 2011 report on the NOPD?

Answer: The NOPD had structural problems leading officers to engage in constitutional violations and discriminate.

Explanation: The 2011 U.S. Department of Justice report found that the NOPD had structural problems leading officers to engage in constitutional violations and discriminate based on race, ethnicity, and LGBT status.

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What major reform measure was implemented for the NOPD in 2012 following the DOJ investigation?

Answer: The NOPD entered into a federal consent decree requiring sweeping reforms.

Explanation: Following the 2011 DOJ investigation, the NOPD entered into a federal consent decree in 2012, requiring sweeping reforms to address identified structural problems and misconduct.

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What was the NOPD's homicide case clearance rate in mid-2015?

Answer: Less than a third

Explanation: In mid-2015, press reports indicated that the New Orleans Police Department was able to clear less than a third of its homicide cases.

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What was the outcome for Officer Joshua Colclough after he killed Wendell Allen in August 2012?

Answer: He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in jail.

Explanation: Officer Joshua Colclough pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in jail after killing Wendell Allen in August 2012.

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What did the Independent Police Monitor allege about the NOPD's investigation into the Wendell Allen shooting in 2015?

Answer: The NOPD whitewashed details, violated the DOJ consent decree, and ignored video evidence.

Explanation: The Independent Police Monitor alleged that the NOPD whitewashed details, violated the DOJ consent decree, and ignored video evidence in its investigation into the Wendell Allen shooting.

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What crimes did Detective Desmond Pratt plead guilty to in March 2014?

Answer: Sexual assault of three children.

Explanation: In March 2014, Detective Desmond Pratt pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of three children.

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Organizational Structure, Ranks, and Personnel

The 'Police Commander' position, created in 2011, was originally proposed to be titled 'Colonel' by Superintendent Serpas.

Answer: True

Explanation: Superintendent Serpas's proposal to create 16 new 'Police Commanders' positions in March 2011 was indeed originally requested to be titled 'Colonels'.

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Shaun D. Ferguson became Superintendent of Police in 2019, succeeding Michael S. Harrison.

Answer: True

Explanation: Shaun D. Ferguson became Superintendent of Police on January 18, 2019, and Michael S. Harrison is listed as one of his predecessors.

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The highest rank in the NOPD is Deputy Superintendent, with a salary of $179,348 in 2019.

Answer: False

Explanation: The highest rank in the NOPD is Superintendent, not Deputy Superintendent, with a salary of $179,348 in 2019.

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NOPD Captains wear blue uniform shirts, while Lieutenants wear white uniform shirts.

Answer: False

Explanation: NOPD Captains wear white uniform shirts, while Lieutenants wear blue uniform shirts, which is the inverse of the statement.

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Who was the Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department who retired in 2014 after 25 years of service?

Answer: Ronal W. Serpas

Explanation: Ronal W. Serpas was the Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department who retired in 2014 after 25 years of service.

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How did Superintendent Serpas's 2010 reforms impact the number of deputy superintendents?

Answer: The number of deputy superintendents was reduced from six to four.

Explanation: Superintendent Serpas's 2010 reforms included reducing the number of deputy superintendents from six to four.

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What new command position was created in the NOPD in March 2011, and what was its original proposed title?

Answer: Police Commander, originally proposed as "Colonel."

Explanation: In March 2011, the 'Police Commander' position was created, which Superintendent Serpas had originally proposed to be titled 'Colonel'.

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What is the highest rank in the New Orleans Police Department?

Answer: Superintendent

Explanation: The highest rank in the New Orleans Police Department is Superintendent.

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What are the uniform shirt colors for NOPD Captains and Lieutenants?

Answer: Captains wear white, Lieutenants wear blue.

Explanation: NOPD Captains wear white uniform shirts, while Lieutenants wear blue uniform shirts.

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Why was the "Commander" position removed from the NOPD rank structure in October 2019?

Answer: Courts ruled it was illegally created as an unclassified position performing duties of an existing classified position.

Explanation: The 'Commander' position was removed from the NOPD rank structure in October 2019 because courts ruled it was illegally created as an unclassified position performing duties of an existing classified position.

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What was the demographic breakdown of the NOPD's rank and file in terms of gender?

Answer: 85% Male and 15% Female

Explanation: The demographic breakdown of the NOPD's rank and file was 85% Male and 15% Female.

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Operational Equipment and Recruitment Policies

A 2025 Washington Post investigation revealed the NOPD had secretly used facial recognition technology for several years, in violation of a city ordinance.

Answer: True

Explanation: A 2025 Washington Post investigation indeed uncovered that the NOPD had secretly used facial recognition technology on the general public for several years, in defiance of a 2022 city ordinance.

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The State of Louisiana provides a $6,000 annual supplemental pay to NOPD officers after five years of service.

Answer: False

Explanation: The State of Louisiana provides a $6,000 supplemental annual pay to NOPD officers after one year of service, not five years.

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The NOPD requires all applicants to be American citizens, a standard policy across most US police departments.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NOPD is one of the few police departments in the United States that does not require applicants to be American citizens, only that they have the legal right to work in the U.S.

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What controversial technology use by the NOPD was uncovered by a Washington Post investigation in 2025?

Answer: Secret use of facial recognition technology on the general public, defying a city ordinance.

Explanation: A 2025 Washington Post investigation uncovered the NOPD's secret use of facial recognition technology on the general public, defying a city ordinance.

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What additional annual pay is provided by the State of Louisiana to NOPD officers for an Associate's degree?

Answer: $1,000

Explanation: The State of Louisiana provides an additional $1,000 annual pay to NOPD officers for holding an Associate's degree.

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What is a unique aspect of the NOPD's recruitment policy regarding citizenship?

Answer: It is one of the few departments that does not require applicants to be American citizens, but they must have the legal right to work in the U.S.

Explanation: The NOPD is one of the few departments that does not require applicants to be American citizens, but they must have the legal right to work in the U.S.

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Which of the following pistols are authorized for use by the New Orleans Police Department?

Answer: Glock 22, Glock 23, Glock 27

Explanation: The New Orleans Police Department authorizes the use of Glock 22, Glock 23, and Glock 27 pistols.

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