‘Sensational’: Decline in violent crime in New Orleans exceeds national average, says police chief

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Violent crime is declining in New Orleans, a trend that is above the national average, according to Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick.

During a press conference on Friday, August 16, city leaders, including Mayor LaToya Cantrell, discussed the strategies and programs contributing to the decline.

Two years ago, New Orleans bore the grim title of “Murder Capital of America.” Over the past year, violent crime, including murders, nonfatal shootings and armed robberies, has reportedly declined by 43 percent.

Kirkpatrick also noted a 71% drop in youth murders, but was aware of the human cause behind these numbers.

“New Orleans is making waves in this country right now,” Kirkpatrick said. “These numbers – behind those numbers is a person and a family. Someone is grieving, and I never want us to forget that.”

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Cantrell attributed the decline in crime to targeted plans and joint efforts by agencies at all levels and community-based groups.

“The results are real,” Cantrell said, “and they are the result of a collective effort by the city of New Orleans.”

The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) is also making progress in solving murder cases; so far this year, the crime clearance rate has been 76%.

Homicide Detective James Fyfe, who has solved 17 consecutive cases, says increased public cooperation and trust in law enforcement have contributed, and attributes the change to the NOPD's efforts to meet settlement agreement milestones.

“We are seeing more public consent and cooperation,” Fyfe said. “In just my short time in the Homicide Division, the last three years, I have noticed a slight shift in that regard to our advantage.”