NEW ORLEANS — The NOPD is preparing for a busy New Year's weekend. Holiday festivities and the Sugar Bowl are expected to bring an influx of visitors.
It's coming on the heels of a violent Christmas weekend across the New Orleans metro. The NOPD reported three homicides and Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office reported two.
NOPD Supt. Anne Kirkpatrick addressed the crime on the WWL Louisiana Morning News on Wednesday.
"As with any major city around the country, we do anticipate during holiday seasons, it’s an unfortunate factor across the country, where we will see typically an uptick in violence," Kirkpatrick said.
Kirkpatrick said they have a plan for the weekend.
“We are going to see 100 percent of our officers out on the streets, myself included," Kirkpatrick said.
Overall, violent crime was down in 2023 compared to last year, Kirkpatrick said.
“We are down 24 percent in homicides and that means 69 more lives have been saved than what occurred last year at this time," Kirkpatrick said.
The NOPD and Crimestoppers are ramping up efforts and rewards with "Crimestoppers Dollars."
“We’re trying to show you that the more information you give us, the more funds that go into that reward pool, and it’s all cash," Darlene Cusanza, Crimestoppers President and CEO of Greater New Orleans said.
For example, if you can provide the gun used and the homicide suspect, Crimestoppers will award up to $3,500.
Any information helps, Cusanza said.
“We are a city that is getting safer every day, and we welcome our visitors to town," Kirkpatrick said.
The number for Crimestoppers is 504-822-1111. Callers can remain anonymous.