NOPD interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says the decision to not participate in Federal Consent Decree meeting rests with her.
In a statement issued this morning, Woodfork says: “After learning that some of the items on the agenda for the public meeting scheduled for Wednesday were not within the parameters of the consent decree, I offered to have NOPD participate and report on the progress being made in meeting the goals set forth in the consent decree and future efforts. Unfortunately, that offer was declined.”
Woodfork goes on the explain: “As such, I made the decision that this meeting was not an appropriate use of police resources as its focus was not on the consent decree compliance and the path forward.”
The Interim Chief says NOPD remains committed to working towards compliance with the consent decree and will continue to work in achieving the goal of self-monitoring.
NOPD will continue to publish public reports on audits and work towards compliance so the public will be able to judge for themselves where we are in our path to compliance. As mandated by the consent decree the department will continue to give public updates on compliance.
Woodfork says she will be holding a press conference in the coming days to address the status of NOPD overall.
Woodfork thanked Mayor LaToya Cantrell for supporting her decision.
