Overview
When it comes to public safety, New Orleans & Company's top priority is the well-being of everyone who lives and works here, along with the visitors who choose our city, especially as we head into the busy fall travel season. New Orleans has a long track record of successfully hosting some of the world's most iconic and complex events year-round, from spring festival season, including French Quarter Festival and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, to Mardi Gras, major sporting events, and hundreds of meetings and conventions. That same commitment to safety carries through the fall, as the city welcomes visitors for Halloween festivities, college and Saints football season, and a full calendar of meetings, conferences and celebrations. Right now, the city has reached its lowest homicide level since the 1960s, reflecting meaningful, sustained progress in public safety.
2026 Stats
- Homicides in the city of New Orleans are at the lowest level since 1969. And the New Orleans Police Department continues to work to reduce violent crime even further.
- The homicide rate remains in decline and down 30% so far this year. Non-fatal shootings are down 20%.
- The NOPD credits the progress in reducing violent crime to intentional, strategic officer deployment, smarter use of manpower and integration of technology to solve and prevent crime.
National Guard Withdrawal From French Quarter/Downtown Area
The NOPD credits the presence of federal law enforcement partners and the Louisiana National Guard for providing a presence in the French Quarter that allowed many of its officers to respond to calls in other parts of the city.
Now that the Louisiana National Guard has departed the area, NOPD has implemented a targeted plan to ensure the continued reduction of crime, especially violent crime in the French Quarter and downtown areas.
The plan includes:
- 16 additional officers added to the 8th District (French Quarter & downtown areas)
- 5 additional officers added to Bourbon Promenade patrols.
- First, Sixth & Eighth District Platoons shored up.
- Downtown Enhancement Unit formed to focus on Quality-of-Life issues.
- More officers to be trained as part of Mounted Unit patrols.
- Use of Technology.
- Continuation & Expansion of partnerships with other law enforcement agencies- including Harbor Police to assist with riverfront patrols.
- Greater utilization of NOPD’s Reserve Unit.
NOPD Manpower: There are currently 60 recruits in the NOPD Police Academy and upon graduation, many will join the 8th District to continue the augmentation of platoons in the French Quarter & downtown area. Class #208 is set to graduate on October 2, 2026.
New Orleans & Company Partnerships
New Orleans & Company partners with and engages the top leadership of the NOPD on all elements, locations and activities of every gathering and convention so they may be available not only to meet and discuss all group priorities and requirements, but to ensure coverage around convention venues and all areas where specific events are occurring. NOPD creates a deployment plan designed specifically for the needs of that group.
Downtown Public Safety Rangers
The Downtown Development District (DDD) created the Public Safety Ranger program as an integral element of its public safety network. The Public Safety Rangers are a non-commissioned force of safety professionals who patrol Downtown on foot and on bicycle. Rangers are customer-friendly and act as extra eyes and ears for the police and the DDD.
Visitors Downtown also can utilize the DDD Public Safety Rangers, who are on duty seven days a week from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Downtown SafeWalk escorts are offered free of charge within the DDD’s boundaries. Call or text 504-415-1730 at least 20 minutes prior to check availability.
Common Sense Tips for Visitors to Any Major City
- Travel in groups and avoid walking alone on unlit streets at night.
- Pay attention when walking and using your smart phone as these devices have been the target of thieves nationwide.
- Do not leave your purse, backpack or briefcase unattended, especially not on the back of your chair.
- Be on the lookout for pickpockets. Consolidate your wallet and move it to your front pocket. Wear a cross-body bag rather than a shoulder strap to keep your purse in front of you. Do not display large amounts of cash in public places.
- Consider removing your convention badge when leaving your hotel or meeting venue.
- When hailing a ride via a mobile app, confirm the identity of your driver before getting into the car.
- If you are intoxicated, please take a taxi, Uber or Lyft instead of walking or driving.
- Trust your gut instincts. If someone or something seems suspicious, leave the area, alert police officer or Safety Ranger.
- If approached by strangers for con games, such as, “I bet I can tell you where you got your shoes,” do not participate. Simply smile and walk past them.
- Lock car doors. Stow valuables out of sight in your vehicle. Ensure that your hotel room door is fully closed and locked at all times.
- Do not leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers.
- Remember that most laws enforced in your city are enforced here as well.
