Nola Reporter

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans Office of Criminal Justice Coordination (OCJC), New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) today announced initiatives to address event safety in order to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors attending fall events. 

“The City has aggressively responded to concerns from both residents and visitors regarding vehicle burglaries and auto thefts around the downtown area, and we have actively worked to combat this issue,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Through analyzing the data and utilizing strategic deployment and smart technology, NOPD has been able to curb the rise in auto thefts and vehicle burglaries we saw particularly at the beginning of the year. Now, heading into football season and other fall events, we are being intentional in deploying our public safety personnel and resources to continue this great work. We are also grateful to have the full support of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans behind us as we work towards the common goal of a safe and thriving city.”  

“Public safety is our top priority, and we have implemented a strategic plan to ensure the protection of everyone attending events at the Caesars Superdome and the Smoothie King Center,” said NOPD Interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork. “The First, Sixth and Eighth Districts will work in a concerted effort to actively patrol the area. District Investigative Units will also be deployed as they know what areas have been affected. Our District Assisted Response Team will also be part of this effort.”   

In addition to maximizing NOPD patrols and that of other law enforcement agencies, the City has been in contact with parking lot owners in the downtown area to encourage them to consider hiring security patrols through the Office of Police Secondary Employment (OPSE) for games and concerts, especially when they occur during evening hours. Hiring off-duty NOPD officers in these lots will boost visibility of law enforcement, which is one of the most effective ways to deter criminal activity.    

The City’s efforts also include the use of smart technology and force multipliers, such as monitoring at the Real Time Crime Center.   

“I am grateful to all our public safety partners, especially our men and women with boots on the ground, who are dedicated to protecting and serving the citizens and visitors of our city,” said OCJC Commissioner Tenisha Stevens. “It is due to their unwavering commitment and investments in public safety force multipliers that we are able to host large-scale, world-class events. I am also appreciative of all our willing and supportive partners, like the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, who continue to be fierce champions of public safety.” 

New Orleans Saints officials remind fans to please download the Saints mobile app, download tickets and parking ahead of time and “know before you go.” Also, when planning on what to take to the game, please remember the NFL’s Clear Bag Policy that permits only clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” into the stadium. For more information on the NFL Clear Bag Policy and other Caesars Superdome information, please visit neworleanssaints.com/stadium/a-to-z-fan-guide.  

The Cantrell Administration is committed to New Orleans remaining an international model for how to safely and effectively host large-scale events as a world-class destination for the crowds they draw. With the Saints season kicking off, and as the City prepares to host Super Bowl LIX in 2025, it is paramount that everyone can celebrate safely and with peace of mind that their property is also safe. 

Original source can be found here.