The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) is preparing for enhanced security during the Superbowl and Mardi Gras celebrations. Former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton and his team from Teneo Global Risk and Consulting have worked with New Orleans Police Department to develop a security plan for these major events, which are classified as SEAR 1, the highest level of security for significant public events.
New Orleans Police Department News reports that the security plan for Mardi Gras includes perimeter measures around the French Quarter and Bourbon Street, such as barriers to limit vehicular access. State and federal agencies, including the Louisiana State Police, Homeland Security, and NFL Security, are also involved in ensuring safety during the celebrations.
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick explained, "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," in the same report. The Department of Homeland Security will provide SWAT teams for tactical responses, along with K-9 patrols and cybersecurity support.
According to the New Orleans Police Department News, the hospitality industry is also involved, with workers trained to assist law enforcement by acting as additional "eyes and ears." This aligns with the "See Something, Say Something" campaign, encouraging the public to report suspicious activity by calling NOPD at 1-800-434-8007 or the LSP Hotline at 5-1-1.
