The New Orleans city council documents reveal various discussions and actions relevant to police officer wellness and retention. Key points include mental health concerns related to the pressures and trauma officers face, which have been cited as reasons for leaving the force. Also, the council has invested in recruitment programs to bolster the New Orleans Police Department's (NOPD) numbers. However, these attempts have allegedly not yielded satisfactory results, highlighting a potential shortcoming in the city council's approach. The council has acknowledged the need for improvement in recruitment and retention strategies, and they have invested significant funds in these areas, including a retention package offering an additional $5,000 to $20,000 in pay based on years of service. Additionally, the council has expressed a commitment to provide NOPD with necessary resources, signifying a recognition of the link between resource availability, officer morale, and retention. The broader societal and community implications of these issues are significant. The wellness and retention of police officers directly impact the safety and quality of life in New Orleans. Officers' mental health struggles and feelings of hopelessness can affect their performance, potentially compromising public safety. Moreover, a shortage of officers due to poor retention can impair the NOPD's ability to respond effectively to crime, again potentially jeopardizing public safety. The discourse suggests an underlying assumption by the council that financial incentives alone can solve retention problems. This overlooks the potential impact of non-monetary factors, like work environment, mental health support, and progressive leadership, which can contribute significantly to officer wellness and retention. Definitions: Retention: The action of keeping someone or something. Recruitment: The action of enlisting new people. NOPD: New Orleans Police Department. Consent Decree: A decree entered in court that sets forth an agreement or compromise on a legal dispute between parties. In this context, it likely refers to the oversight agreement NOPD has with the federal government regarding police practices and reforms.