The New Orleans Police Department refutes reports that a police officer caught on his body-worn video camera smoking crystal methamphetamine was returned to active duty.
Maurice Bailey was first placed on reassignment in January 2024, when a supervisor reported finding the video of the officer smoking drugs.
Ironically, Bailey had been disciplined on three previous occasions for failure to turn on his body-cam.
After the investigation, NOPD reportedly returned Bailey to duty, when he was reassigned a second time for alleged drug violations.
Bailey resigned from the NOPD shortly thereafter.
Friday, New Orleans Police released a statement calling reports of Bailey's reinstatement "false."
"Once Mr. Bailey’s conduct was observed on body-worn camera, he was immediately reassigned from field duties and placed on administrative (desk) duty for the remainder of the investigation," according to the statement from NOPD Communications Officer Reese Harper. "He was never returned to street duty and resigned while under investigation."