The New Orleans Police Department headquarters has become a breeding ground for rats, cockroaches, and mold, with the vermin even getting high on confiscated marijuana, Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick warned at a recent City Council meeting. The building, which has been in use since 1968, is in a state of disrepair, with broken air conditioners and elevators, rat droppings on desks, and infestations of rodents, possums, and snakes. Kirkpatrick described the conditions as "off the charts" and demoralizing for officers.

In response to the deplorable conditions, a proposal has been put forward to spend $7.6 million on a 10-year lease to temporarily relocate the police headquarters to a downtown building. The Criminal Justice Committee voted in favor of advancing the leasing proposal to the full City Council for a final decision. City officials hope that this move will provide a temporary solution while plans for a new permanent headquarters are developed.

The current building's state of decay has been a major concern for the police chief since taking office in October. Kirkpatrick emphasized the importance of providing a suitable work environment for officers and potential recruits, highlighting the impact that the conditions have on morale. The proposed lease agreement would not only cover the cost of rent but also expenses related to the physical move and outfitting the new space with necessary equipment.

If approved by the full City Council, the new lease could see the police department relocated to a rat-free environment by this summer, providing a much-needed respite from the vermin-infested and decaying headquarters that have plagued the force for years.