Chief Melanie Montroll, Port of New Orleans Harbor Police, joined the department in 2001 and steadily moved through the ranks. She was appointed to Chief of Police in March 2022. During her tenure at HPD, she has served as Assistant Chief, Director of Training, Commander of the Criminal Investigations/Internal Affairs Division, and Commander of the Marine Division.
She obtained her Post Master Instructor's certification from the Police Officer Standards and Training Council. As a Post Master Instructor in Louisiana, she was part of a committee that creates and writes training curriculum for all police officers throughout the state.
Chief Montroll received her Boat Operator's certificate from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Southern University in 2007 and her Master's Degree (MBA) from UNO in 2009. She is also a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff. She is a member of the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Organizations of Black Law Enforcement Executives. Chief Montroll is a graduate of the FBI Leeda Leadership Trilogy program and is a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute class of 2022.
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 Peter Brito is a highly experienced law enforcement officer with the Harbor Police Department. Lt. Brito is a professional with over 20 years of experience in police operations and investigations. He has a track record of leading high-performing teams, developing innovative strategies, and implementing best practices in policing. He is passionate about providing the highest level of service to the public and has a strong commitment to community policing. Lt. Brito received his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Holy Cross University in 2000 and his Master's Degree (MBA) from Troy State University in 2004. Lt. Brito is also a graduate of the FBI LEEDA Leadership Trilogy program. Lt. Brito attributes his career to past and present supervisors that have helped to shape him into the law enforcement supervisor he is today. His professional goals are to leave a good legacy for current and future officers starting their law enforcement careers.
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.
Lieutenant Christopher Smith has been an officer with the New Orleans Harbor Police Department for over 10 years. During his tenure with HPD, Lt. Smith was appointed Security Officer for the Port in 2019. And in 2020, he was appointed the Facility Security Officer. Lt. Smith is also the department's liaison to other municipal, state, and federal agencies. He is a member of the Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC) and serves on the New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOSHEP) Securing the Cities Program on the Training and Exercise and Equipment Committees. The program aims to enhance the region's capability to detect, identify, and interdict nuclear and other radioactive materials of regulatory control. Lt. Smith is a New Orleans native. He attended Jesuit High School and studied History at the University of New Orleans.
