Chief Melanie Montroll, Chief Public Safety and Emergency Management Officer, leads all aspects of law enforcement, emergency preparedness, disaster response, and critical infrastructure protection. In this role, she also oversees the Port’s fire protection operations and emergency response crews, ensuring rapid, coordinated response to maritime, industrial, and environmental incidents.
Since joining the department in 2001, Chief Montroll has steadily advanced through the ranks, earning a reputation for excellence in leadership and public safety operations. She was appointed Chief of Police in March 2022, following prior roles as Assistant Chief, Director of Training, Commander of the Criminal Investigations/Internal Affairs Division, and Commander of the Marine Division.
In overseeing emergency management, Chief Montroll is responsible for developing and implementing emergency response protocols, leading interagency coordination, and managing multi-hazard preparedness plans to safeguard port personnel, facilities, and operations. Her leadership is vital to maintaining the Port’s resilience and continuity in both routine and crisis situations.
Chief Montroll holds a Post Master Instructor Certification from the Police Officer Standards and Training Council and has contributed to statewide law enforcement curriculum development. She is also certified as a Boat Coxswain through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia.
Her academic credentials include a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Southern University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of New Orleans. She is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, FBI National Command College, and has completed the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy Program. She is also a graduate of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (Class of 2022).
She is an engaged member of several professional organizations, including the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE).
Cedric Turner is the Assistant Chief of Police with the Port of New Orleans Harbor Police Department. Turner has served in law enforcement for 26 years with 20 of those years working up the ranks within HPD. In his current role, Capt. Turner oversees the agency’s training, marine, and bicycle operations. Additionally, Capt. Turner serves as the Commander of the Special Response Team (SRT) whose sole mission is ensuring top security and maritime safety. In his free time, Capt. Turner mentors young men and women interested in entrepreneurship and finances.
Lieutenant Kirk Braud has been with the Harbor Police Department for 28 years. As a dedicated member of the department, Lt. Braud has experience as a Watch Commander leading a diverse platoon of officers on the overnight shift. His dedication and skill help to guide new and support veteran officers working diligently to protect Port Nola’s gateway, tenants, and community. Lt. Braud attributes his career to past and present supervisors, legal minds and professors that helped to shape him into the law enforcement officer he is today. His professional goals include being the best supervisor to up and coming officers stating their law enforcement careers. As a New Orleans native, Lt. Braud enjoys working with his father at their shared catering business.
Lieutenant Chris Clark Jr. joined Harbor Police Department in 2012. In his 12 years with the department, Lt. Clark has been an integral member of HPD’s SRT team as well as a Taser instructor, and Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) Officer. His superior Computer Systems and IT skills help Lt. Clark stand out as he works with fellow team members to protect the Port of New Orleans’ gateway. During his tenure with the department, Lt. Clark has continued a strong focus on training by completing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Associational (LEEDA) Supervisor Leadership in 2021, SWAT School in 2023, and FBI LEEDA Command Leadership program in 2024. A New Orleans native, Lt. Clark graduated from Eleanor McMain High School before attending Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) where he received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration in 2017 and a Master’s of Science in Computer Information System in 2020. As a member of HPD, Lt. Clark strives to serve his community with dignity, respect, and honor as a he represents his family and friends as well as his fellow officers.
Lieutenant Charlonda Cummings has been in law enforcement for over two decades with 10 years at the Harbor Police Department. As a member of the HPD, Lt. Cummings is a First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, she supervises training staff for HPD and other local law enforcement agencies, develops and prepares annual curriculum, and serves as the Special Event Detail Coordinator for the department. Lt. Cummings’ strives to inspire others by being the best version of herself. A Kenner native, Lt. Cummings attended East Jefferson High School and Delgado Community College. In her free time, she and her son enjoy giving back to their community through various acts of service.
