Visitor Safety Statement

Overview

Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our visitors, residents, and those who work in the hospitality industry. As one of the world’s most celebrated and iconic destinations for global meetings and conventions, leisure visitors, major cultural festivals, and national sporting championships, New Orleans welcomes millions of travelers and countless corporations and organizations each year. Our cultural authenticity and the fact that we are organically Built to Host result in an exceptional, remarkable, and unique travel experience in New Orleans like nowhere else, with every trip and gathering producing world-class memories.

New Orleans & Company and its hospitality partners enjoy great relationships with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), which we believe is the best police force in the world at managing citywide, logistically complex events such as Super Bowls, Final Fours, Major Festivals, and Mardi Gras. Together with NOPD, we ask visitors to use the same personal safety precautions and to stay vigilant as they would at home or in any metropolitan destination.

Crime Fighting

Violent Crime continues its downward trend in New Orleans and the NOPD is pleased to report that non-violent crime is also seeing significant decreases. So far in 2024, NOPD numbers show that homicides in the city are down 40 percent, armed robberies are down 47 percent, while overall violent crimes are down 26 percent and property crimes are down 26 percent over the same period from last year.  

Response times have continued to decrease as well, with median year-to-date response times for emergency calls less than 10 minutes and for non-emergency calls less than 20 minutes.  These are the fastest median response times since April of 2021.

29 recruits have graduated from the Police Academy in 2024, including 13 who graduated from the Academy on July 12^th and are currently in Field Training.  Two new academy classes also launched this year including #201 and #202 which was the third class to launch under the tenure of Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.  A third class of recruits is set to begin in August of 2024 and a potential 4^th class is slated for November.  Three laterals have also joined NOPD this year and there have been four reinstatements.

This crime reduction is due in part to the use of analytics in deployment strategies, technology, and collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. 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.

Enhanced Traffic Enforcement

The NOPD is also beefing up traffic enforcement throughout the city to not only promote driver safety, but to combat violent crime. NOPD has added five more officers to traffic enforcement, allowing for more proactive efforts.  This new effort is being conducted in problem areas reported by citizens. “Traffic enforcement and officer visibility can aid in the apprehension of violent offenders as well as catch other felons through routine traffic stops,” says NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.  Troop NOLA, a contingent of Louisiana State Police Officers in New Orleans is also augmenting crime reduction efforts, especially the apprehension of repeat, violent offenders.

New Drone Technology

The NOPD is actively using drone technology to assist as both a force multiplier and a crime-fighting tool. The drone program will help the NOPD gather crucial information as situations unfold without putting officers at risk and lessening harm and danger to civilian bystanders and other involved parties. Small Unmanned Aircraft System technology (sUAS) technology will be a tool that the NOPD can deploy in select circumstances to help keep those who live, work, and visit New Orleans safe, and enhance officer safety.  In addition to searches for suspects, drones can be used to aid in traffic accident reconstruction.

Permitless Concealed Carry Law Effective in New Orleans July 4, 2024

Starting July 4, eligible individuals can carry a concealed firearm without a permit in Louisiana.

• NOPD encourages all gun owners to act responsibly and be fully informed about the new law.
  Key points: Enforcement and Education: New Orleans Police Department officers have undergone training to enforce these gun laws effectively.  Gun owners are urged to study the laws on where and when you can carry firearms.

• Parades: Concealed carry is still prohibited in permitted parades and demonstrations.

• Alcoholic Beverage Outlets: Carrying a firearm is prohibited in many places that serve alcohol to be consumed on the premises.  The law provides some exceptions specifically only designated restaurant establishments.  
• Storage Responsibility: Where you store your firearm is your responsibility.  If you store it in your vehicle, then consider using a lock-box to secure it.
• Notify Law Enforcement: If approached or stopped by a law enforcement officer for an official purpose, the law requires individuals who are carrying concealed to let that officer know and allow the officer to temporarily disarm you. 

More Patrol Cars

Since 2021, New Orleans & Company has funded eight security patrol vehicles to supplement NOPD patrols in the French Quarter.

The NOLA Coalition

Formed in 2022, the NOLA Coalition is a diverse collection of over 570 local nonprofits, civic organizations, and businesses with an acute interest in helping to address public safety.  The mission of the NOLA Coalition is to harness their collective resources to create a safer and more prosperous New Orleans for all residents.  The NOLA Coalition supports near-term actions to reduce violence, paired with investment in youth services to drive generational change.  We stand ready to invest – our time, our people, our expertise, and our money – to help make a difference for New Orleans.  Plans underway for 2024 include building an NOPD recruiting App to help streamline and modernize the NOPD applicant process.

Additional Security Protocols Underway

• Police patrol on foot as well as motorcycles and Smart Cars throughout the French Quarter, with special attention to Bourbon Street, Royal Street, Chartres Street, Jackson Square and parks
• Police patrol Convention Center Boulevard via patrol cars, Polaris carts and bicycles
• NOPD officers dressed in fluorescent vests when directing traffic
• Mounted officers on horseback, when needed
• Additional portable light boxes on major cross streets
• Sky Watch towers to increase visibility, observation and police presence during special events
• Enhanced Blue Light Patrol – proactive patrols with off-duty NOPD officers to increase police presence
• All eight (8) districts are on 12-hour shifts

Downtown Public Safety Rangers

The Downtown Development District (DDD) created the Public Safety Ranger program as an integral element of Downtown’s public safety network. The Public Safety Rangers are a non-commissioned force of safety professionals who patrol Downtown on foot and on bicycle. They act as extra eyes and ears for the police and the DDD. Rangers are customer-friendly and provide visible coverage throughout Downtown.

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 Downtown DDD boundaries. Call or text 504-415-1730 at least 20 minutes prior to check availability.

As part of its continued effort to provide enhanced public safety services in keeping Downtown safe, the DDD, along with Downtown property owners and managers, has partnered with the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation in the SafeCam Platinum program, providing 36 security cameras at key locations in Downtown New Orleans, which are linked to the City of New Orleans Real-Time Crime Center. The Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) is a City of New Orleans Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness 24/7 facility that leverages technology to enhance public safety coordination, provide critical information to first responders in the field, and assist with investigations of criminal activity or other quality of life concerns.

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 smartphone 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. Don't bring every credit card and move it to your front pocket or/and 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, and alert a 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.