New Orleans PD’s first Black female officer dies

In 1968, Yvonne Bechet was one of the first seven women to enter the NOPD’s academy

July 06, 2020 07:41 AM

Yvonne Bechet served on the force for 22 years.

By Kyle Whitfield
The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate

NEW ORLEANS — Yvonne Bechet, the New Orleans Police Department’s first Black female officer, died on Sunday.

NOPD said Bechet served on the force for 22 years.

“Thank you for paving the way for many of our officers. Your legacy will never be forgotten,” the department said in a tweet.

https://twitter.com/NOPDNews/status/1279959377764630529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1279959377764630529%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fox8live.com%2F2020%2F07%2F05%2Fnopds-first-black-police-officer-yvonne-bechet-dies%2F

In 1968, Bechet was one of the first seven women to enter the NOPD’s academy, according to an April 2018 story from WWNO radio.

Her 22 years as an officer reportedly included stints as an undercover narcotics officer, commander of the community relations division and deputy superintendent.

Bechet’s age wasn’t released by NOPD, but based on WWNO’s story Bechet was in her late 80s.

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