NEW ORLEANS — The Big Easy is making major progress when it comes to reducing what had become a crippling crime rate.
In recent years, the level of violence has cost New Orleans jobs and residents who left the city seeking a safer place to live.
According to NOPD numbers, the city is showing a marked decrease in multiple categories of crime so far this year compared to last year.
“We will continue to remain focused on ensuring that these trends and what we’re seeing on the ground continue to happen throughout the year and of course as we move into 2025,” Mayor LaToya Cantrell said.
NOPD statistics indicate a 24-percent decrease in crimes against persons which are crimes where a victim is harmed.
There was also a 43-percent drop in violent crimes such as shootings and armed robberies and a 37-percent decrease in murders.
“New Orleans is head-turning in this country right now on our results,” NOPD Supt. Ann Kirkpatrick said. “In terms of major cities, it’s been amazing.”
Kirkpatrick thanked her state and federal partners for their work in bringing down the city’s crime rate.
The new Louisiana State Police Troop NOLA is showing results.
According to LSP Supt. Col. Robert Hodges, since February, Troop NOLA troopers have conducted 220 traffic stops, made 89 arrests, resulting in 128 felony charges, and 96 misdemeanor charges, and recovered 17 stolen vehicles, along with 87 illegally possessed firearms.
“You just need to feel safe, and I think our part as Troop NOLA helps increase that public safety message more importantly, it helps build trust, further build trust with the community,” Hodges said.
Mayor Cantrell left her first news conference in weeks without taking any questions.
Sources say the New Orleans mayor is the subject of a two-year federal criminal investigation.
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