New Orleans, LA – After facing the nation’s highest homicide rate in 2022, New Orleans has continued its significant reduction in violent crime into the first quarter of 2024. The city’s police officials and criminal justice stakeholders attribute this success to enhanced partnerships and advanced crime data analysis.

According to New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) data, as of April 6, murders in Orleans Parish have decreased by 31% compared to the same period last year, dropping from 61 to 42 killings. Non-fatal shooting victims have also seen a steep decline, from 160 to 92, while armed robberies and carjackings have plunged by 52%. Felony rapes have decreased by 11%.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell emphasized a holistic approach to public safety, which she credits for the downturn in crime rates. This approach is bolstered by a $3.3 million federal grant for criminal justice initiatives in New Orleans.

Data analyst Jeff Asher projects that the city will see around 150 to 160 murders in 2024, a significant drop from the 193 murders in 2023 and 266 in 2022.

Governor Jeff Landry and the GOP-led legislature have also focused on the justice system in New Orleans, introducing new State Police troops in the city and rolling back previous criminal justice reforms.

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams highlighted the use of technology and open-source intelligence from social media to strengthen criminal cases. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick noted that data analysis helps the department, despite its reduced manpower, to target the most vulnerable areas effectively.

The NOPD’s focus on removing concealed handguns from the streets and the increase in federal gun prosecutions have also contributed to the decline in violent crime.