May 1st 2024.
Michelle Woodfork, a notable figure in the New Orleans Police Department, has embarked on a new journey in her professional career. As announced on April 30, Woodfork, who previously made history as the interim chief of the department, has now joined the District Attorney's office under the leadership of Jason Williams.
After 53 years of dedicated service, Woodfork hung up her NOPD badge on March 1, but her commitment to public service continues as she takes on the role of director of forensics and intelligence. According to reports, her new position requires her to lead the office's Open Source Intelligence Taskforce, a partnership between the agency and artificial intelligence firm Bancroft Global Development. This new role, which she officially started on Tuesday, will involve close collaboration with the NOPD's homicide division and coordination of cases as they go through the court system. Officials believe that Woodfork's expertise will greatly contribute to the efforts of strengthening homicide and violent crime prosecutions.
In explaining the concept of open-source intelligence, DA Williams stated that it primarily involves gathering digital data from social media to assist in investigating perpetrators. Woodfork, who has a wealth of experience and leadership from her time at the NOPD, is confident that her skills will be of great value to the district attorney's office. Her appointment holds significant historical significance, as she not only broke barriers by becoming the first woman police chief in 2022, but she also comes from a family with a strong legacy in law enforcement. Her uncle, Warren Woodfork, was the department's first Black superintendent, and her father, Richard Woodfork, served from 1968 to 1974.
DA Williams expressed his gratitude for Woodfork's contributions to the city's 40% reduction in homicides, attributing the progress to her instrumental leadership as interim superintendent. He praised her as a tried and tested law enforcement professional, stating that she is the kind of person anyone would want on their team. In a statement, he said, "I, along with the entire District Attorney's office, extend our sincere gratitude to Chief Woodfork for her incredible leadership and humble dedication to the NOPD and the people of this city."
Woodfork, who holds a degree in criminal justice, has an impressive background in investigating sexual crimes and child abuse cases. She is also a graduate of Southern University of New Orleans and St. Mary's Academy High School. In a March interview with WDSU, she spoke about her retirement, stating that she had the opportunity to make significant changes within the department and that every decision she made was intentional, keeping in mind the best interest of the citizens of New Orleans and the members of the police department. She added that she was committed to giving her all to the NOPD before stepping down.
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