The New Orleans Police Department is grappling with a severe rat problem, leading to an unusual situation where rats have been consuming drugs stored as evidence.
Earlier in the month, NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick voiced her concerns regarding the deteriorating state of the department’s headquarters, as highlighted by NOLA. The building, suffering from mold and rat infestations, has seen rats penetrating the evidence storage area and feasting on the marijuana kept there.
“The rats are consuming our marijuana,” Kirkpatrick stated. “They’re all high.”
In addition to the narcotics issue, the department is contending with rodents leaving droppings across workspaces.
“It’s not only a problem at the police headquarters but also across all districts. The level of uncleanliness is unprecedented,” Kirkpatrick elaborated. “The janitorial staff deserves recognition for their efforts to clean what seems uncleanable.”
Kirkpatrick has proposed relocating the NOPD headquarters. The city council is contemplating a temporary lease of two floors in the 1615 Pydras Tower while searching for a permanent solution.
“I anticipate that most criminal justice agencies will need temporary accommodations as we tackle the issue of these aged and dilapidated buildings,” Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montaño added.
A veteran of the NOPD also commented on the rat infestation, emphasizing that it has been a long-standing issue.
“The situation is dire. In my view, the building never fully recovered from the aftermath of Katrina,” he remarked. “The basement was completely flooded. With water comes rodents, and they find their way through the walls. There are some problems that are simply insurmountable, leading to ongoing issues with rodents, bugs, rats, mice, and more.”
