New Orleans Interim Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork said Friday that overall crime in the city is down 17 percent compared to the same time last year.
That includes decreases in homicide, non-fatal shootings, armed robberies, and carjackings.
The chief said the hard work of NOPD officers and collaboration with other agencies has helped reduce crime.
Auto thefts, however, have skyrocketed. The chief said part of that was fueled by thefts of Hyundai and Kia automobiles. Car thieves have learned how to exploit security flaws in those vehicles, and the cars have become popular targets for thieves.
Chief Woodfork also disclosed that the New Orleans Police Department and U.S. Justice Department still don't see eye-to-eye on meeting consent decree requirements.
"Currently, our internal audits demonstrate we are 90 percent compliant with the requirements of the consent decree, while the Department of Justice audit demonstrates we are at 71 percent compliance with the federal consent decree," said Woodfork.
The Cantrell administration has been arguing the NOPD is compliant enough to be let out of the consent decree. So far, the federal judge overseeing it has not agreed.
Woodfork says they will continue working with all partners on getting those numbers closer together.
"We will continue to work with the department of justice, the monitoring team, and the court, in pursuit of full compliance," she said.
