Interview with Task Force Sergeant Bruce Glaudi
Conducted by Mari Kornhauser and B.B. St. Roman

Where did you grow up?

I was born in the 1900 block of Elysian Fields and when I turned 6, I moved to New Orleans East and lived there until I was 21.

Who lives with you at home?

I'm single, I live alone, but my 15-year old daughter stays with me every other weekend.
When did you join the NOPD?

June, 1985.

What made you decide to become a Police Officer?

It's been in my family. My father has been a Police Officer for 44 years now. So there was no other thought to do something else. My father is a Police Sergeant, my brother is a Police Sergeant, and my other brother was on the Police force for many years but he has resigned.

When did you come to the 8th District?

I was originally here from 1991 to 1996 as a Police Officer. In 2000, when I was promoted to Sergeant, I came back and have been here ever since.

How is the 8th District different from other districts?

The obvious answer is the different people you meet and deal with here in the French Quarter. But also it's a district where the people appreciate the work we Police Officers are doing, as opposed to other places I've worked.

How do you feel you can best serve the 8th District?

By doing what I'm doing now and have been doing, which is putting the bad guys in jail, and also training and supervising the people who work for me.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Being appreciated, of course, being told you are doing a good job. But also I've enjoyed going to court and testifying and seeing a career criminal put away.

What is one of your funniest experiences on the job?

As I look back in my career, I can think of many crazy and funny experiences; however, most of them are not appropriate for print. But I will give you one: I remember about 15 years ago it snowed in New Orleans like it never has before, something the city was not prepared for. I can remember being on duty and driving through the CBD. The streets and sidewalks were completely iced, there were cars hydroplaning uncontrollably and there were people slipping and falling on the sidewalks like I had never seen before -- it looked like it was scripted from a Three Stooges movie. People were actually going airborne and falling on their behinds. The ones that were slipping and trying to hold their balance were taking other people down with them. I remember handling several 24's (medical emergencies) that day. There were no serious injuries except for one -- a guy busted his head open, but mostly there were a lot of bruised egos and behinds.

What's your favorite food?

Italian.

What's your favorite music?

Rock & roll, specifically 80's rock & roll.

What is your favorite cop show/movie/book?

You would think it would be "COPS," the TV show, from me appearing on it several times. However, from being behind the scenes, I know it is a very rehearsed show. So my favorite show of all time is Barney Miller. My favorite book is Buddy Boys, which I read back in the 80's, about corrupt cops in New York City.

If there is one thing you would want people to know about you, what would that be?

That I'm not as unfriendly as I appear to be. Anyone who has worked for me knows that I am one of the most helpful and informative persons around.

If there is one thing you could change in this city, what would that be?

That there would be less ignorant people in the city. Also that the economy would improve. And to change the image of the city, in which people think that they can come to New Orleans and do whatever they want. For example, I hate when people come up to me when I am working and ask, "Is there anything you can get arrested for in New Orleans.?" I usually show them there is!

If you could have one wish, what would that be?

For my 15-year old daughter, who is the light of my life, to be happy, healthy and successful for the rest of her life.