Darian Trotter ABC26 News

9:47 p.m. CDT, October 19, 2010
NEW ORLEANS—
A better work environment within the New Orleans police department means a safer city.

Officers recently took an employee satisfaction survey. The results were made public Tuesday.  

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Changes within the New Orleans police department are becoming more obvious.

"That's a good thing," said parent Shameka Joseph.

Shameka Joseph is seeing less crime in her neighborhood.

Joseph said, "It’s calmed down a whole lot; don't see drugs and killing no more.”

Some argue change on the streets of New Orleans is linked to changes within the police department.

A recent employee satisfaction survey measures how officers feel about the work of the department.

"81-percent agree that they enjoy their work," said Superintendent Ronal Serpas.

Officers ranked the department in five areas:

Satisfaction, management and supervision, employee relations and environment, ethics and standards, and finally training and equipment.

Overall results were favorable.

"Community policing has been around since the 80's," said Rafael Goyeneche.

The Metropolitan Crime Commission works to stop public corruption.

President Goyeneche thinks the NOPD survey, other programs, and models enforced by chief Serpas are good for New Orleans.

Goyeneche said, "He’s trying to reestablish the community's trust eroded by some of the scandal involving the department."

Survey results show strengths and weaknesses. 

"The employees recognize they need to work harder to get the community to support them," Serpas said.

Serpas says department transparency is vital in developing stronger community trust and an overall feeling of safety.

We asked parents what they’ve noticed on the streets of New Orleans.

"Do you see police often? Everyday, everyday around here. Doing what? They just ride around making sure everything is safe, around here," Joyce Boykins replied.

It's the peace of mind Joyce Boykins needs raising a generation of future leaders.

"Make sure they grow up and be a better man," Boykins said.

Officers agree more in-service training is needed.

Serpas says an overhaul of recruitment training is currently underway.