Chief: NOPD Nearly 300 Officers Short Of Ideal Number

New Orleans Police Chief Michelle Woodfork says her department is more than 280 officers short of its ideal strength.

At the City Council Criminal Justice Committee's quarterly meeting on Wednesday, Woodfork said the NOPD has only 916 officers lately.

She expressed confidence that it can be rebuilt to a force of 1,200.

Chief Woodfork said retention bonuses, new equipment and improved working conditions should help the department retain its existing officers.