Is the NOPD Police Academy a residential program?
No. Recruits will be responsible to secure living arrangements. However, there are apartment complexes in New Orleans and surrounding areas that offer discounts to police recruits and police officers.

Does the NOPD provide relocation assistance?
No, not at this time.

Are veterans eligible to use their GI Bill while attending the Academy?
Yes, veterans are eligible to use the GI Bill while attending the Academy.

Is the NOPD a qualified public service employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program?
Yes.  The NOPD is a qualified public service employer for the PSLF Program.  Time-limited changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program rules allow borrowers to receive credit for past periods of repayment that would otherwise not qualify for PSLF. The changes end on Oct. 31, 2022.

Note: If you are new to PSLF and want some additional information about the program, please visit the PSLF information page. 

Is there additional pay if I have earned a degree from an accredited college/university?
The salary for Recruit candidates starts at $42,449 and rises to $59,014 per year ($61,014 per year with a qualified Bachelor’s degree) after one year of service with additional incentive payments for bilingual officers, college degrees, merit pay, etc. The full pay calculator for NOPD Officers is available here. 

Please visit our employment benefits page for addition information about salary and benefits.

Will I have to shave my beard?
The NOPD has recently updated its personal appearance policy.  For commissioned members, facial hair may be worn, and the length shall be kept trimmed and neat, not to exceed ¼” in length. The shaving, waxing, plucking or otherwise removal of superfluous hair from the beard for the purpose of aesthetic grooming (shaping, pencil thin trimming, designer beard, “chin strap” beard, etc.) or other cosmetic effect is prohibited.

Facial hair shall not have any designs. Facial hair shall not be dyed any other color except the members natural hair color.  Please review the full policy here. 

I have been arrested before but my record was expunged. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply.  Please remember to disclose this information in the personal history statement and interview.

Why do you need my credit report during the background investigation?
We review your credit history for the purpose of determining financial responsibility, NOT for measuring credit scores.