They've been outspoken for some time, airing their concerns and sometimes their grievances in public.
The Police Association of New Orleans, PANO, is the voice of NOPD's rank and file officers.
WWL caught up with Captain Mike Glasser Tuesday after NOPD Chief Superintendent Shaun Ferguson announced his retirement from the department effective December 22nd.
Glasser says the imminent retirement of Chief Ferguson could be the change the department is waiting for.
"We're hoping that whoever is selected as the next Superintendent and Deputy Chiefs are chosen to serve under them. We will start to see some of the changes we have been talking about for two years that we think are essential."
Glasser is keeping an open mind about the department's change at the top despite the fact the Mayor could appoint a new chief before the new confirmation program takes effect.
"We're looking forward to what we should expect, for those of us that will be here. We're just looking for the kinds of changes that we have articulated to the City Council, to the Civil Service Commission, to the media, that we think need to be done."
Captain Glasser, in his capacity as the President of PANO, did sound off on the Mayor appointing a new police chief before January first.
"That would be correct in terms of her having to do that before the first of the year in order to have any appointment NOT be subject to vetting by the City Council."
Mayor LaToya Cantrell appears ready to name a successor to outgoing police chief Shaun Ferguson. Deputy Superintendent Jonette Williams could become the next chief without vetting or confirmation by the City Council if the appointment is made before the first of the year. WWL asked Captain Glasser if the Mayor could do this:
"She certainly does, she has the authority up to the first of the year. After which any appointment she makes will be vetted by the City Council. But up until that point any appointment that she makes will remain in place until she decides otherwise or until there is a new mayor."
Already at least two City Council Members have spoken out against the Mayor making any appointment ahead of January First as an attempt to circumvent the confirmation process.
