NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The first permanent female Police Superintendent for the New Orleans Police Department is celebrating one year in the position. On Nov. 1, 2023, Anne Kirkpatrick was sworn in following the retirement of former Superintendent Shaun Ferguson and the interim reign of Michelle Woodfork. The NOPD made the announcement on Friday, Nov. 1, making a list of all things accomplished since 2023. Super Build: Project to build home for Navy vet ahead of the Super Bowl underway According to a poll conducted by the University of New Orleans, Kirkpatrick has achieved the highest approval rate of any public official in New Orleans at 56%. Additionally, residents say they feel safer and note an improvement in police protection than two years prior. Kirkpatrick is also credited with the reduction of overall crime especially violent crimes, outpacing the nation in this aspect. Since 2023, overall crime is reportedly down 26%, with murders down 38% and non-fatal shootings down by 44%. Officers say this is due to her proactive implementation of programs targeting violent and repeat offenders by way of enhanced policing tactics and new technologies to aid officers. After taking office, the "Power Watch" platoon was implemented, consisting of seven officers and a sergeant to head patrols in the Seventh District. Additionally, under Kirkpatrick's leadership, the NOPD reports response times for service calls have decreased by 45% and a 55% decrease for non-emergency calls. Also during her first year, Kirkpatrick is recognized for revitalizing traffic enforcement, relocating NOPD headquarters to Poydras Street, restructuring NOPD's rank system and moving the NOPD out of the Consent Decree into the Sustainment Period. $45M construction work to cause closures for Green Bridge in St. Bernard Parish Officers believe these things have been accomplished through Kirkpatrick gaining the trust of leaders, groups and citizens through dialogue and transparency. NOPD officials emphasized Kirkpatrick's love of horses, which led to the introduction of "Patch" the mini horse who serves as a goodwill ambassador for the department and the city. "As for her year two goals, Kirkpatrick says the department is committed to violent crime reduction through a holistic approach which includes collaboration with other stakeholders with a focus on drug enforcement, increased traffic support and a focus on property crimes such as shoplifting and theft.," said NOPD officials. They add that recruitment and retention also remains a top priority. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick celebrates one year with NOPD Big Game Bound: Quarterback carousels in the spotlight as Colts bench Richardson Trump, Harris camps prepare to ‘go to the mattress’ in election legal battles   Super Build: Project to build home for Navy vet ahead of the Super Bowl underway Senate Democrat on Biden, Cuban comments about Trump supporters: 'I don't like it'