NEW ORLEANS — As krewes get ready to roll, city leaders gave important updates on security at New Orleans' Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s final Mardi Gras Advisory Council meeting.
With Carnival season in full swing, the whole city is working together to keep people safe as they celebrate.
“We’re trying to make it safe for everyone,” Mayor Cantrell said.
To ensure the safety of parade-goers, the City of New Orleans will once again bring outside law enforcement to patrol as krewes roll through the streets.
“I think that’s great, it’s a regional effort, not just the city trying to do it all on their own,” Dan Kelly, Captain of the Krewe of Endymion said.
A similar decision was made in 2023 when some krewes almost had to cancel or shorten their parades because of staffing shortages within NOPD. That need hasn't eased this year, with only around 900 officers on the force.
“[We’re] getting ready to have the best time ever at Mardi Gras,” Sarah Nieuwenhuizen, Officer in the Krewe of Iris said. “We know we have to be safe and where we’re supposed to be.”
Last Carnival season, nearly 200 officers from 13 agencies across the state were posted along routes. The city expects numbers to be about the same in the days ahead, but they won’t be alone.
“This year, we’re prepared,” Mayor Cantrell said.
New Orleans Department of Homeland Security said they will also have support from the FBI and the Coast Guard.
“Our priority, as always, is to make sure Mardi Gras is safe and sustainable for all,” New Orleans Office of Homeland Security PIO, Anna Nguyen said.
According to our partners at The Times-Picayune New Orleans Advocate, the city spent $560,000 for outside law enforcement in 2023. Money to pay reinforcements will once again come out of the city's general fund. Meanwhile, carnival contributes an estimated $900 million to the New Orleans economy.
“We know what you put in and what you contribute, we get back tenfold. So that is not lost on your city, and more importantly, it's not lost on your people,” Mayor Cantrell said.
Mayor Cantrell said that the city is already planning for Mardi Gras 2025.
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