Interim Superintendent Woodfork first 100 days

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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Interim Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department commemorated her first 100 days in office by providing an update of all accomplishments so far.

Back in December 2022, Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced Capt. Michelle Woodfork would become the temporary leader of the department, following the retirement of NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson.

“I came into this role with a clear directive from the community. Violent crime reduction is a must,” Interim Supt. Michelle Woodfork, New Orleans Police Department.

In an exclusive interview with WGNO, Woodfork laid out her plan for the City of New Orleans just a week after being sworn in.

“I’m laser-focused on attacking violent crime, recruitment and retention, getting to the self-monitoring phase of the consent decree. All of those things are important. Can I focus on who they might choose down the line? I have to do the job that I was selected to do now so that’s what I’m focused on,” said Woodfork.

Woodfork gave an update on teh downward trending numbers”

Murders has gone from 69 in 2022 to 60 in 2023
Nonfatal shootings are still high at 108 in 2023 but lower than 2022’s 118
Armed robberies are down 152 compared to 2022 with 218

“We have 790 firearms that have been seized by the NOPD compared to 520 firearms seized or confiscated in 2022. This marks a 53% increase,” said Woodfork.

The interim Superintendent credits the redeployment of officers and aggressive policy towards illegal guns, for the positive trends.

Firearms arrests have also increased substantially with 478 district arrests in 2023, compared to 273 arrests for the same period in 2022, a 75% increase,” said Woodfork.

Woodfork currently sits in the position, as the City Council and Inspector General perform a nationwide for a permanent chief. The International Association of Police began the 17-week search in January.

The City Council recently voted to extend Woodfork’s contract as acting chief for an additional six months. The extension is for her to work on crime-fighting strategies and to prove she is worthy of the permanent title.