Arthur Hunter Slams Proposal to Elect Police Chief at NOPD Headquarters Press Conference
March 12, 2025

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Today at a press conference held outside New Orleans Police Department headquarters, mayoral candidate Arthur Hunter forcefully rejected a proposal by another candidate to make the NOPD Chief of Police an elected position.


Hunter, a former NOPD officer, Criminal Court Judge, and longtime advocate for police accountability, warned that such a change would inject harmful political influence into an institution that should remain focused on public safety and professionalism—not politics.


“The Chief of Police needs to be a career law enforcement professional, not a politician. The last thing we need is to politicize the NOPD. Our city is already drowning in self-serving politics and personality battles.


As a former NOPD officer and a lawyer who’s held police accountable, I know what it means to protect and serve—the Mayor’s job is to hire the most qualified law enforcement professional, give them the tools and resources to do the job, and hold then hold them accountable.


This city needs leadership focused on policy and solutions—not more political excuses and games.”


Hunter emphasized that reform and accountability within the NOPD require real leadership, not the creation of another political office. He pledged to prioritize public safety by investing in recruitment, training, and modern strategies to reduce crime—while maintaining firm civilian oversight.


For more information or to schedule an interview with Arthur Hunter, please contact: media@arthurfornola.com. Visit arthurfornola.com for more information.


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Judge Arthur L. Hunter, Jr., a former New Orleans police officer, served as a judge in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court for two decades, where he led initiatives like the Re-Entry Court, Veterans Treatment Court, and Mental Health Court.


He has been recognized for his leadership on public safety initiatives and continues to contribute as a legal educator, including at Harvard Law School. In 2023, he co-launched the Delgado Community College Regional Career Project to provide career training and educational opportunities for at-risk individuals.

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