New Orleans sees sharp reduction in crime

(The Center Square) — The city of New Orleans has made an emphasis to reduce violent crime. And it has achieved significant results through the first six months of 2024 as compared to the first half of 2023.

Rapes are down 43%, homicides were reduced by 40%, aggravated assaults are down 22% and rapes are down 2% in New Orleans, according to the Major Cities Chiefs Association Violent Crime Survey.

In June, the FBI announced that it worked with 18 local law enforcement agencies in a collaborative effort to reduce violent crime in New Orleans. The effort was called "Operation Clean House" and was part of the Department of Justice's Violent Crime Initiative.

The FBI said it targeted the "most violent individuals" in New Orleans. The police effort targeted 76 warrants out for the most violent offenses and made 74 arrests.

"This is not a 'one and done' effort," said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil in a media release in June. "This is not a superficial attempt because New Orleans is hosting a major sporting event next year. We are here for the long haul."

New Orleans will host the Super Bowl on Feb. 9, 2025.

In June, the New Orleans police department said its goal is to transition to the Omaha 360 model. That's a policing model that was started in Omaha, Nebraska that focuses on community involvement and involves monthly meetings between the police and citizens.

Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer described Omaha 360 as "a model of 30-30-30; 30% enforcement, 30% intervention, 30% prevention" in 2023.

The city of New Orleans referred questions to its police department, which did not respond to an email seeking comment.