New Orleans on track to go 19 days without any homicides

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) —  According to the Metropolitan Crime Commission, New Orleans’ murder rate has plummeted to levels not seen in years.

“This time last year we were at 174 homicides and the year prior we were over 200. As far as 18, potentially 19 days, we haven’t seen that since we started tracking in 2019,” said Metropolitan Crime Commission Vice President Michelle Foster.

According to New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, the city, once known as the “Murder Capital”, is outpacing national averages. Being a seasoned officer, Kirkpatrick says she’s seen everything and knows what works to turn things around.

“All of that is the efficiencies, the abilities, the competencies and putting the people in the right seats. What I have learned is how to understand the strategies to put the team together,” said Kirkpatrick.

Foster says some of the strategies include group efforts and technology.

“Proactive policing strategies are being utilized not only by NOPD but also by Troop NOLA. Federal cooperation and crime cameras are helping contribute to the homicide solve rate,” said Foster.

Foster understands the hesitance to celebrate the accomplishment, but she wants people to keep things on the right track.

“Because of the police presence and the proactive nature and cooperation of the different agencies, you are seeing that ability where people feel safer,” said Foster.

With the NOPD increasing its workforce, Kirkpatrick says their goal remains the same, making the city a safe place to live.

“Only the best of the best are not only going to be hired but are going to be a part of the New Orleans Police Department. The standards are going to be the standards, and I’m not going to compromise on that,” said Kirkpatrick.

Foster says along with homicides, the city has also seen a downward trend in carjackings and nonfatal shooting incidents.

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