NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – As Sheriff-elect Michelle Woodfork prepares to become chief of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, she announced the formation of a transition team.
The ceremony will be held on March 10 at Southern University in New Orleans, with the theme “A New Era of Accountability.” Woodfork will outline her strategic framework at the meeting to “guide OPSO’s future.”
Woodfork defeated incumbent Sheriff Susan Hutson in the October 2025 election, winning with 53% of the vote but not advancing to the runoff.
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Woodfork, who has 33 years of law enforcement leadership and public service experience, said she has built her career on results, reform and community trust.
Woodfork became the New Orleans Police Department’s first female sergeant in 2022 when New Orleans Police Chief Sean Ferguson retired. According to reports, violent crime in the city dropped by 25% during this period, murders dropped by 23%, and carjackings dropped by 45%.
She retired in 2024 and became director of forensics and intelligence for the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office.
Under the “new era of accountability,” Woodfork and her team are reportedly developing a “forward-looking framework focused on:
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Workforce Development and Recruitment
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Transparency and public trust
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Meaningful, sustainable reform
Her team includes:
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Murphy J. Paul, Jr. Chiefs (Ret.)
“The people of Orleans Parish voted for leadership that will deliver results, demand accountability and build trust. Today marks the beginning of a new era for the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.
We are building a team of proven professionals with expertise in public safety, finance, policy and organizational leadership to ensure we are ready to deliver with excellence and integrity from day one.
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This transformation is about more than just changing leadership, it’s about creating systems that are transparent, fiscally responsible, and centered on the safety and dignity of everyone in our care.
I am delighted to introduce this outstanding team and share the work that has been carried out. Together, we will move OPSO forward through accountability, collaboration, and a clear commitment to the people of New Orleans. “
Woodfork is scheduled to take office on May 4.
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