NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans and the Orleans Sheriff's Office has agreed to extend the January 23rd deadline to secure outside police officers. The city is now working on a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Orleans Sheriff Office for Mardi Gras public safety operations.
Officials say a final decision will be made this week.
Communications Director Gregory Joseph said in a statement:
“The City of New Orleans and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office will officially enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement that will provide the vehicle of funding for outside law enforcement agencies."
"This is a significant step in the process of returning official Mardi Gras krewes to their original routes. As a result, the January 23 deadline has been extended as the City finalizes its operational plans to determine if enough external law enforcement officers have signed up to work the necessary details and have a safe and successful Carnival season. A final decision will be made this week based on those responses.
The spirit of Carnival resides in all our people, and with the official execution of this contract, we remain hopeful and confident in the efforts of all partners to restore all Mardi Gras parades to their traditional routes for all to enjoy.”