City officials today have been responding to the surprise announcement that New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Harrison is leaving the department to lead the Baltimore Police.
New Orleans City Council President Jason Williams:
"I have known Michael since he was a young officer with black hair and I was a young lawyer with hair. He is a wonderful man and has ushered our city through an extremely precarious time. Consent decrees are typically met with disdain from top to bottom. Chief Harrison instead embraced it, leading the NOPD to become the national standard bearer of police reform and increasing public safety at the same time. Through unique programs such as Ethical Policing Is Courageous (EPIC) and a revolutionary training partnership with the Innocence Project of New Orleans, the Department has made exponential improvements under his leadership.
"I'm saddened to see him go but extremely proud that a native son of New Orleans will now share his talents with the City of Baltimore. He and his family have been true assets to our community. As chair of the Council's Criminal Justice committee, I will continue my ardent support of the NOPD and work expeditiously to institutionalize the reform and public safety improvements and policies that the Chief was committed too."
New Orleans City Council Vice President Helena Moreno:
"I spoke to Chief Harrison this morning to convey my deepest thanks for his exceptional service to our City. I'm sad to see him leave NOPD, but happy for him personally as he takes on a new challenge in Baltimore. I'm proud of the work Chief accomplished as NOPD's leader: from his unwavering commitment to constitutional policing and deep community engagement to his effectiveness at lowering violent crime, to his focus on building an impressive and diverse leadership team around him. I've come to know Mayor Pugh of Baltimore through our participation in Women's leadership group and have learned about the challenges Baltimore faces in terms of violence and public safety. She has made a wise choice in hiring Chief Harrison. He's the right man for the job. New Orleans' loss is Baltimore's gain."
New Orleans District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro:
"I commend Chief Harrison on his dedication to improving public safety in New Orleans and wish him great success in Baltimore. Under his leadership, the NOPD made impressive strides toward modernization and consistent constitutional policing, while at the same time coping with manpower shortages and other, more unique challenges of law enforcement in New Orleans. I hope our city’s next police superintendent can build upon the foundation Chief Harrison established, continues to champion diversity and improved community relations, and shares our commitment to reducing the scourge of violent crime."