New Orleans police department
Coverage of New Orleans police department in the Nexus archive.
- Teen dies after falling inside derelict high-rise, police say
A 17-year-old boy died after falling from an open stairwell inside the derelict Plaza Tower in downtown New Orleans. Police stated that a group of teens broke into the vacant high-rise for urban exploring. The incident occurred at the 58-year-old tower, which was abandoned due to toxic black mold and asbestos.
- Teen dies after falling inside derelict high-rise, police say
A 17-year-old boy died after falling from an open stairwell inside the derelict Plaza Tower in downtown New Orleans. Police reported that a group of underage teens broke into the vacant high-rise for 'urban exploring,' and upon arrival, EMS personnel found one teen dead at the scene and another who required hospitalization.
- New Orleans City Council discusses increasing oversight of NOPD drone usage
New Orleans City Council discussed implementing stricter reporting rules for the New Orleans Police Department's drone usage, requiring the NOPD to report material changes in drone flights, safety concerns, and other details. The proposal aims to increase transparency and public trust, following past scrutiny over NOPD's drone policies. While residents and advocacy groups expressed support, they argued the ordinance does not go far enough in ensuring accountability.
- NOPD changes policy on allowing weapons, hazardous materials on police drones
The New Orleans Police Department revised its policy to prohibit equipping drones with weapons or hazardous materials after facing backlash from civil liberties groups. Initially, the NOPD proposed allowing such weapons with superintendent approval, but reversed the decision following public pressure. Organizations like Eye on Surveillance and Voice of the Experienced opposed the policy, citing safety concerns and distrust in the department.
- Silver Alert issued for missing 82-year-old woman
New Orleans police have issued a Silver Alert for 82-year-old Dorothea Hernandez, who was last seen walking northbound on Lamanche St. after leaving her St. Claude home. Officials indicate she may have a medical condition affecting her safety and are urging the public to contact them with any information.
- New Orleans Inspector General alleges NOPD officer committed payroll fraud
The New Orleans Office of Inspector General alleges a NOPD officer committed payroll fraud by claiming 5,200 hours of work in 2023, including excessive overtime while on pleasure cruises. The officer, identified as Chad Cockerham, is suing NOPD and citizen watchdog Skip Gallagher for wrongful termination, denying the allegations.
- A New Orleans man whose ex-wife accused him of stealing millions needed a lawyer. He called the D.A.
New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams, who maintains a private law practice, represents John McQueen, a wealthy Raising Cane’s investor accused by his ex-wife of misusing his mother’s funds. A judge allowed Williams to continue representing McQueen despite a police investigation into the allegations, citing that McQueen has not been formally charged.
- New Orleans child molester questioned on unsolved killings takes the fifth 700 times
Stanley Burkhardt, a convicted child molester and former investigator of sex crimes, invoked his right against self-incrimination over 700 times during a civil lawsuit deposition. The case involves an alleged sexual abuse victim and the New Orleans police department. Burkhardt was questioned about unsolved murders of youths.