City Celebrates Opening Of Newly Renovated NOPD Third District Police Station, Training Academy
NEW ORLEANS – Mayor Mitch Landrieu joined city officials and community stakeholders yesterday to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated $2.4 million NOPD Third District Station, 4600 Paris Ave., and $3 million Training Academy, 4650 Paris Ave. NOPD also launched its 181st recruit class at the newly renovated academy. The 11,585-square ft. police station and 24,000-square ft. training academy are state-of-the-art, hurricane resilient facilities, city reps said. The Third District facility will support hundreds of officers and provide critical support to the Gentilly and Lakeview neighborhoods.
“The renovations of the NOPD Third District police station and training academy are important steps forward in our continued effort to make our New Orleans safe,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “These facilities give our officers the resources they need to provide better police protection to the residents of Gentilly and Lakeview neighborhoods. The renovation of the NOPD Third District police station and training academy is another example of how we are building New Orleans back better than before."
“The launch of the 181st recruit class exemplifies our commitment to add brave men and women who have taken the charge to devote their lives to NOPD’s core values – integrity, fairness and service,” said Mayor Landrieu. “As they complete their training, they will join the ranks of a police department leaning forward and focused on providing first-class public safety.”
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Michael Harrison said, “We are proud to be here for the beginning of the next chapter in our department’s legacy. The new academy and the renovated Third District headquarters represent the kind of strong investments in the department’s infrastructure that will pay dividends going forward.
“This newest class of recruits, our first to benefit from the enhanced resources of the new training facility, represents the future of the NOPD,” said Chief Harrison. “Having taken on the reforms that have revitalized our force and transformed our culture, we are now rebuilding the core of a new, 21st century police department.”
The newly renovated police station has interior spaces featuring a detective Investigation Unit, a Narcotics Platoon and Task Force Units. In addition, the facility will have a roll call and conference room that the community will be able to use for public meetings.
The newly renovated training academy has interior spaces featuring classrooms, a computer lab, physical training areas, men’s and women’s locker rooms, conference rooms and office space. Post-renovation, the police station and training academy traded locations to better utilize building space.
Councilmember-at-Large Jason Rogers Williams said, “The new NOPD Third District station and training academy are steps forward for not only the officers of the NOPD but for the residents they serve as well. The men and women of our police department are committed to their public service and we are proud today to provide the Third District with a state-of-the-art facility. I look forward to the success of the 181st recruit class and welcome them to our police department.”
District A Councilmember Susan G. Guidry said, “As we approach Geaux Blue NOLA Day on Wednesday, Sept. 13, a citywide day created to show pride and appreciation for our men and women in blue, the opening of these state-of-the-art facilities gives us another opportunity to honor our officers of the Third District and to underscore to the 181st recruit class our city’s commitment to the NOPD.”
District D Councilmember Jared C. Brossett said, “The opening of the NOPD training academy and the new Third District station, both on Paris Avenue, are significant milestones in the modernization of our police department. The Third District covers much of District D, and their newly renovated facility will enhance officers’ ability to protect and serve residents. Moreover, we observe the launch of a new recruit class, and with the pay plan modifications announced earlier this summer, we look towards continued growth and improvement of our police force.”
Funding for the NOPD Third District police station came from FEMA public assistance and city bonds. This project was designed by Volume Zero LLC. and built by Hernandez Consulting & Construction.
Funding for The NOPD training academy came from FEMA public assistance. This project was designed by Volume Zero LLC. and built by Battco Construction.
