‘Head turning;’ New Orleans violent crime decline outpacing national averages, chief says
Data shows violent crime is down in New Orleans, with city leaders highlighting the strategies behind this decline
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - New Orleans is experiencing a reduction in violent crime, a trend that Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says outpaces national averages.
During a press conference on Fri., Aug. 16, city leaders, including Mayor LaToya Cantrell, discussed the strategies and programs contributing to the decline.
Two years ago, New Orleans held the grim title of America’s murder capital. In the past year, violent crimes, including murders, non-fatal shootings, and armed robberies have reportedly fallen by 43%.
Kirkpatrick also noted a 71% reduction in juvenile homicides but remained mindful of the human impact behind the numbers.
“New Orleans is head-turning in this country right now,” Kirkpatrick said. “Those numbers—there’s a person and a family behind that number. Someone is grieving, and I never want us to forget that.”
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Cantrell attributed the decline in crime to intentional plans and collaborative efforts involving agencies at all levels and community-based groups.
“The results are real,” Cantrell said, “And it’s because of a collaborative effort in the city of New Orleans.”
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) is also seeing progress in homicide investigations, with a clearance rate of 76% so far this year.
Homicide Detective James Fyfe, who has cleared 17 consecutive cases, says that increased public cooperation and trust in law enforcement are contributing factors, attributing the shift to the NOPD’s work toward meeting consent decree milestones.
“What we’re seeing is more public buy-in and cooperation,” Fyfe said. “Just in my short term in homicide, the last three years, I think I’ve noticed a slight change to our benefit in that regard.”
In a city with a long history of violence, the current reduction in crime offers a rare glimpse of optimism. City leaders and law enforcement officials alike are hopeful that this trend will continue.
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