NEW ORLEANS, LA – New Orleans Mayor-Elect Helena Moreno told reporters Tuesday that she has received “no official guidance whatsoever” about the sudden appearance of “blue-uniformed people” around the city, despite every news outlet repeatedly confirming that they are, in fact, the New Orleans Police Department.
Moreno insisted she’s operating with “limited information” and has been relying solely on media reports and whatever she’s seen while scrolling through her phone. “Obviously, I’ve seen your coverage,” she told reporters. “I’ve watched the local stations, the national stations, the short clips people post on Instagram, everything. But beyond that, no one in authority has explained who these individuals are or what their mission is.”
When asked directly if she was aware that NOPD has been policing the city for nearly two centuries, Moreno said she would “need to verify that with someone who actually has the authority to speak on it.”
City Hall staff, speaking off the record, confirmed they attempted to brief her last week but were told she was “still processing” the news that the Fire Department also exists.
Officials say they remain hopeful that once she settles into office, Moreno will eventually be brought up to speed on other long-standing agencies such as EMS, Public Works, and the people who change the light bulbs in City Hall.
