The New Orleans Police Department is facing significant staffing adjustments as the city works to manage a massive budget deficit. More than 50 civilian employees within the department will be required to take furlough days throughout the year, a move city officials say is necessary to help reduce spending while maintaining core policing services.
Budget Crisis Driving Police Department Cuts
The furloughs come as New Orleans deals with a $222 million budget deficit left by the previous administration. City leaders say the financial shortfall has forced difficult decisions across several departments.
Officials estimate that the furlough program within the police department will save the city approximately $4.2 million.
The cost-saving measure will affect civilian employees rather than sworn police officers.
Overview of the Furlough Plan
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Department | New Orleans Police Department |
| Total Civilian Staff | 313 |
| Employees Facing Furlough | 53 |
| Maximum Furlough Days | 22 days |
| Estimated Savings | $4.2 million |
| Officers Affected | None |
Under the plan, furloughed employees will take one unpaid day off each pay period.
The number of furlough days varies based on salary levels, following a sliding scale ranging from zero to 22 days for the year.
According to city records, 49 of the affected employees will receive the maximum number of furlough days in 2026.
Civilian Roles Affected
The furloughs will impact a wide range of support positions that assist the department’s daily operations.
Positions affected include:
- Accountants
- Information technology specialists
- Administrative assistants
- Public affairs staff
- Police academy instructors
- Bureau chiefs of staff
These employees perform administrative and technical work that helps officers focus on policing duties.
Officers Not Subject to Furloughs
City officials confirmed that sworn police officers will not be required to take furlough days.
However, police overtime budgets for districts and divisions have been reduced by about half.
City officials say the goal is to protect frontline policing while still cutting costs.
“Our priority remains maintaining core policing services across the city,” the mayor’s office said in a statement.
Impact on Police Operations
Some public safety experts say the furloughs could still affect police department operations.
Civilian employees have often been described as a “force multiplier” because they handle administrative and support tasks that allow officers to spend more time in the field.
With fewer civilian hours available, some work may take longer to complete.
Rafael Goyeneche, president of the New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission, said the absence of civilian staff could impact efficiency.
“These civilians freed up police officers to focus on public safety rather than administrative work,” he said.
Police Department Already Facing Staffing Shortage
The NOPD is already struggling with officer shortages.
As of this week:
- The department has about 897 sworn officers
- Full staffing is considered around 1,600 officers
Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick has said the department aims to recruit several hundred additional officers to rebuild the force.
Concerns About Recruitment and Morale
Some experts worry that furloughing civilian employees could affect morale and recruitment within the department.
Former NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas said civilian staff are essential to the daily operation of the police department.
He noted that many of the affected employees hold critical roles and some are retired officers who returned to support the department.
Serpas also warned that cutting support staff could send the wrong message to potential recruits.
City Officials Say Cuts Were Necessary
City leaders say the furloughs were implemented only after exploring other options to address the budget crisis.
Officials maintain that protecting sworn officers from furloughs was a key priority.
Public safety advocates say furloughing civilian staff may be a better alternative than cutting officer hours or positions.
