New Orleans sees significant decline in violent crime

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Members of the NOLA Coalition met on Wednesday, August 14, to discuss the significant decline in violent crime in the city, a central issue underlying the coalition's formation.

Normally, press conferences in New Orleans focus on recent shootings or murders, but this event drew attention to a positive trend in crime statistics.

“This is a real decline. The numbers show it, but when you walk the streets and talk to residents, you can also feel it,” said Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc.

According to coalition data, murders, shootings and auto thefts have declined significantly over the past two years. Murders and shootings are reportedly down 48% and auto thefts are down 68% compared to 2022.

Despite the encouraging statistics, New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick cautioned against celebrating.

“For those who are grieving for their loved ones, those numbers mean nothing. And that's why we make a huge mistake when people are suffering, and we announce our numbers as if we're saying your grief shouldn't matter. Look at those numbers,” said Chief Kirkpatrick.

The NOLA Coalition, formed in response to a rise in violence in 2022, includes members from public offices, private businesses, churches and grassroots organizations. In late 2022, New Orleans was declared the “Murder Capital of America.” From City Hall to the blocks, people searched for answers.

“It was morally unacceptable to see so many of our young people die. It was simply not the kind of city we wanted to live in,” said Michael Hecht.

To stop the bloodshed, the coalition pursued a two-pronged strategy: taking immediate action to reduce violent crime and raising millions of dollars to improve social services to bring about long-term generational change.

Since its inception, the coalition has raised over $8 million of its $15 million goal.

Even though violent crime is declining nationally, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams said the coalition's work is targeted and not a byproduct of a phenomenon occurring in other cities.

He emphasized collaboration between his office, the NOPD and state agencies to use technology and neighborhood intelligence to reduce homicides. Williams said he believes that by maintaining the coalition's model of community collaboration, more progress can be expected.

“I really believe in a decade, a decade of collaboration. I took the lessons I learned in forming the NOLA coalition and reached out to the governor to talk about what we could do here in the city of New Orleans. Some of my supporters asked why they were talking to him, he's a Republican. And I said we can be on different teams on the campaign trail, but once you're elected, you have a job to do for everyone,” Williams said.

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