New Orleans Police Department

01/28/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/28/2025 17:04

NOPD Announces Security Update For Superbowl & Mardi Gras

The NOPD has announced preliminary plans for the security of the French Quarter and Bourbon Street ahead of the Superbowl and Mardi Gras and beyond, after three weeks of assessment by former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton and his Teneo Global Risk and Consulting team.

The planning has included walks through the French Quarter and Mardi Gras parade routes as well as collaboration with Louisiana State Police, Homeland Security, and the NFL Security team among others for these designated SEAR 1 events.

Specifics of the Mardi Gras plans are still being finalized, however the NOPD is implementing security measures around the perimeter of the French Quarter, along cross streets and Bourbon Street including barriers to restrict vehicular access. "We are providing an enhanced patrol presence, some which will be very visible and other measures that will not, but all are intended to be a deterrent to threat actors", explains Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.

LSP is supporting NOPD with additional wedges and barriers as well as bringing in additional resources for the Superbowl and Mardi Gras. The Department of Homeland Security are also bringing in additional resources such as SWAT teams for tactical response as well as additional K-9 patrols and other capabilities in support of cybersecurity.

Superintendent Kirkpatrick added, "The NOPD and its Federal, State and local partners are committed to helping secure all of New Orleans, including areas like Frenchman Street, however our immediate focus with regard to barriers to restrict traffic are the French Quarter and Bourbon Street for the Superbowl and Mardi Gras."

Members of the hospitality community have also undergone training to provide additional 'eyes and ears' as part of the See Something Say Something campaign. The community will be able to notify the NOPD is they see something by dialing 1-800-434-8007 or the LSP Hotline at 5-1-1.

In the coming weeks NOPD will provide additional details regarding security plans for the future beyond Mardi Gras based on feedback from the community, collaboration and recommendations from state and federal agencies, and Teneo.