New Orleans police department

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.