Brown blames state and local officials for Katrina response

[Buford]

http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/09/27/katrina.brown.ap/index.html



Brown blames state and local officials for Katrina response

Former FEMA director points to Gov. Blanco, Mayor Nagin




WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former FEMA director Michael Brown aggressively defended his role in responding to Hurricane Katrina on Tuesday and put much of the blame for coordination failures on Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin.

"My biggest mistake was not recognizing by Saturday that Louisiana was dysfunctional," Brown told a special congressional panel set up by House Republican leaders to investigate the catastrophe. (Watch Brown's comments -- 3:02 (javascript:cnnVideo('play','/video/politics/2005/09/27/sot.brown.fema.defense.cnn');))

The storm slammed into the Gulf Coast on Monday, August 29.

Brown's defense drew a scathing response from Rep. Wiliam Jefferson, D-Louisiana.

"I find it absolutely stunning that this hearing would start out with you, Mr. Brown, laying the blame for FEMA's failings at the feet of the governor of Louisiana and the Mayor of New Orleans."

Brown, who for many became a symbol of government failures in the natural disaster that claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people, rejected accusations that he was too inexperienced for the job.

"I've overseen over 150 presidentially declared disasters. I know what I'm doing, and I think I do a pretty darn good job of it," Brown said.

Brown resigned as the head of FEMA earlier this month after being removed by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff from responsibility in the stricken areas.

Brown, who joined FEMA in 2001 and ran it for more than two years, was previously an attorney who held several local government and private posts, including leading the International Arabian Horse Association.

Brown in his opening statement said he had made several "specific mistakes" in dealing with the storm, and listed two.

One, he said, was not having more media briefings.

As to the other, he said: "I very strongly personally regret that I was unable to persuade Gov. Blanco and Mayor Nagin to sit down, get over their differences, and work together. I just couldn't pull that off."

Both Blanco and Nagin are Democrats.

"The people of FEMA are being tired of being beat up, and they don't deserve it," Brown said.

The hearing was largely boycotted by Democrats, who want an independent investigation conducted into government failures, not one run by congressional Republicans.

But Jefferson -- who is not a committee member -- accepted the panel's invitation to grill Brown.

Referring to Brown's description of his "mistakes," Jefferson said: "I think that's a very weak explanation of what happened, and very incomplete explanation of what happened. I don't think that's going to cut it, really."

Committee Chairman Tom Davis, R-Virginia, cautioned against too narrowly assigning blame.

"At the end of the day, I suspect that we'll find that government at all levels failed the people of Louisiana and Mississippi and Alabama and the Gulf Coast," said Davis.

Davis pushed Brown on what he and the agency he led should have done to evacuate New Orleans, restore order in the city and improve communication among law enforcement agencies.

Brown said: "Those are not FEMA roles. FEMA doesn't evacuate communities. FEMA does not do law enforcement. FEMA does not do communications."

In part of his testimony, Brown pumped his hand up and down for emphasis.


Dude just doesn't get it. He's already been thrown under the bus by his bosses. His take doesn't jive with either this admin, or the state/local folks.

Not to mention, he was still collecting $$$ as a consultant for FEMA.

Way to be......

[jamiroguy1]

He's got balls to come out like that. He's ****ed if there's an independent investigation though.

[flyingtiger1013]

From what I saw this morning on Imus, Russert seems to agree with him, too. The truth is starting to come out and it doesn't look good for anyone.

[Fred Jones]

Wow, a Bush administration official not accepting responsibility for his actions. I wonder where he learned that from?

[Kilmer17]

Probably every other politician from both sides of the spectrum. Or have you not listened to the excuses from Nagle and Blanco?

[Burgold]

Wasn't nearly as violent, but look at the response time to Rita as opposed to Katrina. Somehow the mobilization and execution was much more efficient, people were in place to deal with problems immediately. The lag that was so rationalized disappeared.

[Buford]

doesn't matter about Blanco and Nagle right now.

They weren't fired.....but still paid.....and then turned around to toss blame when most are already on to "How do we fix this?"

he's 2 weeks too late....and this hearing is getting little to no cred.

[Cskin]

Wow, a Bush administration official not accepting responsibility for his actions. I wonder where he learned that from?
I don't get it.... why accept blame in this specific instance when it was the moronic and nearly incompetent behavior of Nagin... and then Blanco... that got the snowball rolling south to hell in a handbasket. Hard to stop, much less turnaround, a train barreling down the wrong tracks. :doh:

Sure... FEMA deserves blame..... I think they miscalculated the scope of the storm or the damage caused to both Mississippi and LA. Additionally, I think the bureacracy.... red tape not a big issue in rescue and recovery in smaller disasters..... gummed up the process and slowed things by 24-48 hours.

Not using buses to evacuate those incapable of leaving on their own.... and not having enough provisions for three or four days at the convention center and Superdome.... that's all on Nagin and Blanco. Both should have been fired three weeks ago.

[Kilmer17]

If Russert is agreeing with him, that gives it some cred.

[Buford]

oh yeah?

We should make a note of this for the next time he thrashes an admin official on a sunday morning.

You're going to give Cred with Medium-Russ' take.

[Kilmer17]

Russert is as straight a shooter as they come. Even with his Liberal background, I trust him to be fair and impartial. If he takes someone to task, they surely deserve it.

[twa]

Wasn't nearly as violent, but look at the response time to Rita as opposed to Katrina. Somehow the mobilization and execution was much more efficient, people were in place to deal with problems immediately. The lag that was so rationalized disappeared.

From the local reports coming out of hard hit areas a LOT of people would disagree. Of course the people there are working on it themselves.

We do not wait for help.

[Art Monk Fan]

From the local reports coming out of hard hit areas a LOT of people would disagree. Of course the people there are working on it themselves.

We do not wait for help.
Thanks for saying that. We're Americans, we're supposed to be resourceful and ruggedly individual -- what's with all the sitting around bitching to reporters and wiating for someone to take care of you? Get up and take charge, damn it!

[Burgold]

Don't disagree with that, but I saw images of rescue workers, national guard, etc. in place and actively helping within hours, not days. We should be resourceful, but in times of crisis the government should be there too especially if they say they are.

[codeorama]

I don't know how many times I have to say this, it's a fact that it is the local government's responsibility first and foremost. Again, I'm on the emergency response team in my area, not once has the president or any other federal representative contacted us to dictate what to do.
We decide when to evacuate, we decide when to ask the Fed for help.

It's that simple. Live it, learn it, understand it.... :doh:

[Buford]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9496474/


Ex-FEMA chief slams 'dysfunctional' Louisiana
But Democratic and Republican lawmakers alike put blame on Brown

The Associated Press
Updated: 4:11 p.m. ET Sept. 27, 2005


WASHINGTON - Former FEMA director Michael Brown aggressively defended his role in responding to Hurricane Katrina on Tuesday and blamed most coordination failures on Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin.

He also said that in the days before the storm, he expressed his concerns that “this is going to be a bad one” in phone conversations and e-mails with President Bush, White House chief of staff Andy Card and deputy chief of staff Joe Hagin.

And he blamed the Department of Homeland Security, the parent agency for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, for not acquiring better equipment ahead of the storm.

His efforts to shift blame drew sharp criticism from Democratic and Republican lawmakers alike.

Harsh criticism
“I’m happy you left,” said Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn. “That kind of look in the lights like a deer tells me you weren’t capable of doing that job.”

Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., told Brown: “The disconnect was, people thought there was some federal expertise out there. There wasn’t. Not from you.”

Brown appeared before a special congressional panel set up by House Republican leaders to investigate the catastrophe.

“My biggest mistake was not recognizing by Saturday that Louisiana was dysfunctional,” two days before the storm hit, Brown told the panel.

Brown, who for many became a symbol of government failures in the natural disaster that claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people, rejected accusations that he was too inexperienced for the job.

“I’ve overseen over 150 presidentially declared disasters. I know what I’m doing, and I think I do a pretty darn good job of it,” he said.

Brown resigned as the head of FEMA earlier this month after being removed by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff from responsibility in the stricken areas. Brown will remain on the FEMA payroll for two more weeks, advising the agency, said Russ Knocke, spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security.

“He speaks for himself and he's entitled to his point of view and I don't have anything to add,” Chertoff told reporters in Miami. Bush and Blanco both ignored a reporter’s shouted question about Brown's assertions as they inspected damage from Hurricane Rita in Lake Charles, La.

Unfavorable comparison with Giuliani
Brown, who joined FEMA in 2001 and ran it for more than two years, was previously an attorney who held several local government and private posts, including leading the International Arabian Horse Association.

Brown’s testimony drew a scathing response from Rep. William Jefferson, D-La.

“I find it absolutely stunning that this hearing would start out with you, Mr. Brown, laying the blame for FEMA’s failings at the feet of the governor of Louisiana and the mayor of New Orleans.”

And in a testy exchange, Shays compared Brown’s performance unfavorably with that of former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

“So I guess you want me to be the superhero, to step in there and take everyone out of New Orleans,” Brown said.

“What I wanted you to do is do your job and coordinate,” Shays retorted.

“I’m happy to be called not a Rudy Giuliani ... a scapegoat ... if it means that FEMA that I knew when I came here is going to be able to be reborn,” Brown said.


Admission of 'specific mistakes'
Criticized by Shays for not acquiring better equipment in advance that would have let different emergency agencies communicate with each other, Brown blamed the Department of Homeland Security.

“We put that money in our budget request and it was removed by the Department of Homeland Security” before the budget was finalized, he said.

Brown also said he was “just tired and misspoke” when a television interviewer appeared to be the first to tell him that there were desperate residents at the New Orleans Convention Center.

Brown testified that he had already learned, one day before the interview, that people were flocking to the center.

Brown blamed “a hysteric media” for compounding the crisis with what he said were unfounded reports of rapes and murders. He characterized blunt-spoken Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, the military coordinator for the disaster, as “a bull in the China closet, God love him.”

And he said Americans themselves must play a more active role in preparing for natural disasters and not expect more from the government than it can deliver.

But Republican Rep. Kay Granger of Texas told Brown: “I don’t know how you can sleep at night. You lost the battle.”

Brown in his opening statement said he had made several “specific mistakes” in dealing with the storm, and listed two.

One, he said, was not having more media briefings.

As to the other, he said: “I very strongly personally regret that I was unable to persuade Gov. Blanco and Mayor Nagin to sit down, get over their differences, and work together. I just couldn’t pull that off.”

Both Blanco and Nagin are Democrats.

Louisiana official fires back
In Baton Rouge, La., Blanco’s press secretary, Denise Bottcher, ridiculed Brown’s line of attack. “Mike Brown wasn’t engaged then, and he surely isn’t now. He should have been watching CNN instead of the Disney Channel,” Bottcher said.

“The people of FEMA are being tired of being beat up, and they don’t deserve it,” Brown said.

The hearing was largely boycotted by Democrats, who want an independent investigation conducted into government failures, not one run by congressional Republicans.

But several Democrats from the stricken region, including Jefferson and Taylor, attended.

Committee Chairman Tom Davis, R-Va., cautioned against too narrowly assigning blame.

“At the end of the day, I suspect that we’ll find that government at all levels failed the people of Louisiana and Mississippi and Alabama and the Gulf Coast,” said Davis.

Brown says federal role limited
He pushed Brown on what he and the agency he led should have done to evacuate New Orleans, restore order in the city and improve communication among law enforcement agencies.

Brown said: “Those are not FEMA roles. FEMA doesn’t evacuate communities. FEMA does not do law enforcement. FEMA does not do communications.”

Brown said the lack of an effective evacuation of New Orleans before the storm was “the tipping point for all the other things that went wrong.”

A “mandatory” evacuation was ordered Sunday by Nagin, the mayor. However, buses were not provided and thousands of residents were stranded without transportation in low-lying areas.

[Mad Mike]

“I’m happy you left,” said Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn. “That kind of look in the lights like a deer tells me you weren’t capable of doing that job.”



I just saw the exchange that lead to this comment on the news. Shays is the moron here. He asked Brown what fEMA did to help with the evacuation an Brown responded that he urged the Gov. and Mayor to declare a Manditory evacuation and asked Shay "what would you have me do?". This very fair question is what Shay was responding to when he made the above comment.

The fact is that FEMA cannot force local evacuations. All they can do BY LAW is exactly what they did. Shay is just a grandstanding moron trying to score political points. If you don't understand this, congrats, you are officialy a sucker. :doh:

[Loyal]

It's the American way, focus on blame, not solutions. Then no one is held accountable for anything.

[stevenaa]

"Wasn't nearly as violent, but look at the response time to Rita as opposed to Katrina. Somehow the mobilization and execution was much more efficient, people were in place to deal with problems immediately. The lag that was so rationalized disappeared."


Because or local government has studied and prepared for this inevitable scenerio. They knew exactly how long it would take to get everyone evacuated and started doing so with time to spare. The local and state governments of Lousiana screwed the pooch and are trying to deflect the blame. They are responsible for the evacuation of their citizens.

[webnarc]

It's the American way, focus on blame, not solutions. Then no one is held accountable for anything.

Welcome to the board Loyal!

In Canada we do the exact opposite, we accept the blame for everything so we are all equally responsible, and nothing gets fixed.

[luckydevil]

Code, pretty much nailed it

[Buford]

"Wasn't nearly as violent, but look at the response time to Rita as opposed to Katrina. Somehow the mobilization and execution was much more efficient, people were in place to deal with problems immediately. The lag that was so rationalized disappeared."


Because or local government has studied and prepared for this inevitable scenerio. They knew exactly how long it would take to get everyone evacuated and started doing so with time to spare. The local and state governments of Lousiana screwed the pooch and are trying to deflect the blame. They are responsible for the evacuation of their citizens.


umm, and also the difference between a cat-5 and cat-3.

That might have alittle more to do with the situation from Rita.

[twa]

umm, and also the difference between a cat-5 and cat-3.

That might have alittle more to do with the situation from Rita.

Quite right,and the fact it hit in a relatively(sorry cuz ;) ) sparsely populated area certainly helped.

[Larry]

Quite right,and the fact it hit in a relatively(sorry cuz ;) ) sparsely populated area certainly helped.

A relatively sparsely populated area that's above sea level.

[Joe Sick]

Probably every other politician from both sides of the spectrum. Or have you not listened to the excuses from Nagle and Blanco?

Who is Nagle? :whoknows:

Browning Nagle?

My favorite quote from the hearing...

Ironically, it started with an organization called horsesass.org, that on some blog published a false, and, frankly, in my opinion, defamatory statement that the media just continued to repeat over and over. Next, one national magazine not only defamed me, but my alma mater, the Oklahoma City University School of Law, in one sentence alone leveling six false charges.

Horseass - ironic indeed! That was the only area of expertise that "Brownie" had!

[Joe Sick]

I don't know how many times I have to say this, it's a fact that it is the local government's responsibility first and foremost. Again, I'm on the emergency response team in my area, not once has the president or any other federal representative contacted us to dictate what to do.
We decide when to evacuate, we decide when to ask the Fed for help.

It's that simple. Live it, learn it, understand it.... :doh:

What about when the governor DOES asks the Feds for help?

http://www.gov.state.la.us/Press_Release_detail.asp?id=976

Pursuant to 44 CFR § 206.35, I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments, and that supplementary Federal assistance is necessary to save lives, protect property, public health, and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a disaster. I am specifically requesting emergency protective measures, direct Federal Assistance, Individual and Household Program (IHP) assistance, Special Needs Program assistance, and debris removal.

----------------

In your experience, What else could the governor have done?

[chomerics]

only those blinded by ideology will ignore that and then say something ignorant

Apparently Navy Dave has never looked into a mirror :D

[chomerics]

Code, pretty much nailed it

Completely disagree Lucky, what if you ASK for federal help, and there is none?

In a case of a small disaster, I agree, but Katrina was nothing small. If ANYONE thinks this should have been handled by local and state officials, they should really re-evaluate the situation.

There were 40K federal troops in NO the Sunday after Katrina, the local govt. had 4000K troops, and an entire state which was devistated, how could ANY local govt. handle a disaster of this magnitude?



I especially like this quote from Mr. Brown



"I've overseen over 150 presidentially declared disasters. I know what I'm doing, and I think I do a pretty darn good job of it," Brown said.

This is the SECOND job he has failed at out of his past two jobs. The only difference is that when he failed here, people died. I'm glad this POS can sleep at night knowing how many people died because of his ineptitude.

[twa]

Chom ,I know you are smarter than that and while I fault Brown for not forcing co-operation from the locals or finding a way to work around them. The descisions made and NOT made at the state and local level made the NO situation a mess.

The facts will continue to come out and heads will roll.

The process has already started with the police.
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2005/09/27/D8CSQ6V8H.html

http://impeachblanco.org/

[Burgold]

I still think it is the fireman scenario. On an average day a fireman has no right to break into your home to enter forceably, however, if there is smoke and flames leaping out and cries for help, people screaming and dying, then the emergency of the local situation enables him to forcibly tresspass. The federal government in an ordinary situation has no need or right to forcibly give assistance to a local municipality, but when there is an extraordinary situation, plus a call for help has been issued, and common sense screams that the municipality can not possibly have the tools, manpower, or resources to deal with the situation then I think it is inherent on the federal government to mobilize and not wait for the propper paperwork to be filed or for the request for help to be printed in exact wording or on the correct bond of paper.

[Burgold]

On top of that, why is pre-emptive war okay, but not pre-emptive aid?

[twa]

I still think it is the fireman scenario. On an average day a fireman has no right to break into your home to enter forceably, however, if there is smoke and flames leaping out and cries for help, people screaming and dying, then the emergency of the local situation enables him to forcibly tresspass. The federal government in an ordinary situation has no need or right to forcibly give assistance to a local municipality, but when there is an extraordinary situation, plus a call for help has been issued, and common sense screams that the municipality can not possibly have the tools, manpower, or resources to deal with the situation then I think it is inherent on the federal government to mobilize and not wait for the propper paperwork to be filed or for the request for help to be printed in exact wording or on the correct bond of paper.

I agree to a large extent and fault Brown and the Feds for not finding a way around the locals,of course I tend to bend rules and laws whenever I feel it justified ;)

The current system can and will work,and I oppose giving the feds any extra powers...just too dangerous imo

[twa]

On top of that, why is pre-emptive war okay, but not pre-emptive aid?

Truckloads of supplies were sent BEFORE and immediately after the storm to the superdome by the feds.

Do you feel the federal military should have been sent in when Blanco only sent a token national guard presence?

[Buford]

what was the status of the National Guard in that state? What % were in Iraq, and what % were here?

[twa]

what was the status of the National Guard in that state? What % were in Iraq, and what % were here?

Do not have the numbers ,but there were plenty available(at least 2/3thirds) And agreements with nieghboring states to supply more if requested.

States have response teams that can and are requested.

From what I have read,Nagin requested more and Blanco refused.

[Buford]

could you provide a confirmed link to that refusal?

I will say this.

Its not like you can move them in BEFORE the hurricane, and have them wait through the storm, then be ready when the sun comes out.

You also can't bring them in early and force people to leave. You can bring them in, to help the people who want to get out. But, those who keep sticking around, you can't force.

[Art Monk Fan]

Do not have the numbers ,but there were plenty available(at least 2/3thirds) And agreements with nieghboring states to supply more if requested.

States have response teams that can and are requested.

From what I have read,Nagin requested more and Blanco refused.
Gov. Richardson of New Mexico offered his National Guard to Blanco and had them already mobilized and standing by before the storm hit. Blanco didn't call them in until Wednesday or Thursday.

Blanco also refused to allow FEMA to take supplies into New Orleans becuase she wanted the people to come out of the city to get the aid, rather than bring the aid into the city.

Buses had to be brought in from around the state to move out the evacuees becuase Nagin failed to move the city's bus fleet to higher ground, regardless of the fact his own disaster plan called for him to do this.

The list will get longer as this goes on, and it will become apparent that FEMA wasn't just fighting a "natural" disaster in Louisianna.

[twa]

Gov. Richardson of New Mexico offered his National Guard to Blanco and had them already mobilized and standing by before the storm hit. Blanco didn't call them in until Wednesday or Thursday.

Blanco also refused to allow FEMA to take supplies into New Orleans becuase she wanted the people to come out of the city to get the aid, rather than bring the aid into the city.

Buses had to be brought in from around the state to move out the evacuees becuase Nagin failed to move the city's bus fleet to higher ground, regardless of the fact his own disaster plan called for him to do this.

The list will get longer as this goes on, and it will become apparent that FEMA wasn't just fighting a "natural" disaster in Louisianna.

There were several states ready to offer assistance.

I did see this article today,which might explain SOME of the response early:

Dang,can't find it online,but it said the Louisiana guard troops that were to move into NO had thier base flooded rendering the high water equipment useless. and the guardsnen had to be RESCUED and brought to NO.
That is sad if true,but seems to be a theme.

Found a different source
http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050928/ZNYT02/509280339/1011

[Predicto]

Brown sucks.

Blanco sucks.

Blaming Blanco does not exonerate Brown.

Blaming Brown does not exonerate Blanco.

Unless you are a mindless partisan.

[twa]

Brown sucks.

Blanco sucks.

Blaming Blanco does not exonerate Brown.

Blaming Brown does not exonerate Blanco.

Unless you are a mindless partisan.

Uh, You left out Nagin,the emergency ops(city and state) people,the Guard,the NO cops and of course the people....most everyone involved left something to be desired.

[Predicto]

Uh, You left out Nagin,the emergency ops(city and state) people,the Guard,the NO cops and of course the people....most everyone involved left something to be desired.

You are correct, sir, although some are more culpable than others.

I was trying to keep it simple to make a point.

[Buford]

Ummm, he's only the mayor. He doesn't control National Guard.

yeah, he sucked.

But nobody could check the souls of these cops and see they were going to just quit.

and he's been on TV to say he blew it.

Brown's only regret was not getting the Mayor and Governor to "understand" what was happening.

What? He didn't get anybody at all to understand this, I suppose. Because he did nothing but look lost and confused leading up to, and following the Hurricane.

You can't be the FEMA director, and learn about serious situations from CNN. He imploded yesterday and is getting NO slack from either party today.

[twa]

Bufford,I agree Nagin is not too much to blame other than preparedness and a little lack of leadership. Although he was caught in a sh1tstorm,in his defense.

[Buford]

look, he was dumb enough to stay in the city during the hurricane. In some hotel.

So, I really believe that he though it wouldn't be THIS bad.

I think most of the bad stuff is coming from the days after Katrina.

[ccsl2]

I still think it is the fireman scenario. On an average day a fireman has no right to break into your home to enter forceably, however, if there is smoke and flames leaping out and cries for help, people screaming and dying, then the emergency of the local situation enables him to forcibly tresspass. The federal government in an ordinary situation has no need or right to forcibly give assistance to a local municipality, but when there is an extraordinary situation, plus a call for help has been issued, and common sense screams that the municipality can not possibly have the tools, manpower, or resources to deal with the situation then I think it is inherent on the federal government to mobilize and not wait for the propper paperwork to be filed or for the request for help to be printed in exact wording or on the correct bond of paper.


Pretty Much nailed it!!!!

[ccsl2]

On top of that, why is pre-emptive war okay, but not pre-emptive aid?

Nailed it 2 times!!!

[twa]

Nailed it 2 times!!!


I suppose you feel the federal goverment should be free to sieze control of any situation THEY deem nessesary?

That is a BAD road to go down. imo

The feds have never been shy about extending thier powers...limits are there for a reason :2cents:

Although they were close to taking over the NOPD before the storm ever hit

http://www.thedeadpelican.com/COMPASS.HTM


QUESTIONS SURFACE IN WAKE OF COMPASS' RESIGNATION

SEPTEMBER 28, 2005

Eddie Compass has resigned as the New Orleans Police chief, the Associated Press Reports.

On the heels of N.O. police chief Eddie Compass' resignation, allegations are emerging. Fox News' Tony Snow has said that of the 1700 police working for New Orleans, maybe only 1000 really exist.

Rogers asked someone in the know, who agreed with Snow's statements.

"It's pretty much always been known, but never openly acknowledged, that NOPD's actual numbers were far below the "official" figure of 1500 - 1700," said the source.

"To get that number over 1500, and thus qualify for federal funding, Compass and his predecessors counted reservists and certain retirees as active duty officers. The REAL number is, and has been for some time, a lot closer to 1000."

Some time ago, the Feds were considering taking over the NOPD. Allegedly, that's when the "cooking of the books" on numbers of cops started in earnest, because one of the feds' complaints was the low number of officers, Rogers is told.

Some suspect that this should be the death knell for the" residency rule," which requires NOPD officers to live in New Orleans.

Developing...
------------------------
Filed by Chad E. Rogers
http://www.thedeadpelican.com for updates
06/28/05
(c) 2005 The Dead Pelican