GNO, Inc. Sunday Night Highlight – New Orleans Sees #4 Largest Crime Drop in America

This week, the NOLA Coalition marked its 2^nd anniversary since forming in the summer of 2022 to help improve public safety and create better lives for our kids.

Since that time, the NOLA Coalition has grown into perhaps the largest, most diverse civic action group in New Orleans history, with over 570 nonprofit and corporate members, representing thousands of employees.

Moreover, the advocacy of the NOLA Coalition, supporting the work of many – including the Mayor, the Governor, NOPD, Troop NOLA, the City Council, the District Attorney, the Sheriff, the Judiciary, and many other civic and nonprofit organizations – has led to remarkable results.  Since 2022:

• Homicides have declined 48%
• Shootings have declined 48%
• Carjackings have declined 68%
• Armed Robberies have declined 56%

 Perhaps most importantly, Juvenile Homicides have dropped 71%, 2024 year-to-date.

Some have suggested that New Orleans is simply reflecting a welcome national downturn in crime.  The data tell a different story.  According to the Major Cities Chiefs Association Violent Crime Survey (2023-2024 midyear totals), amongst American cities, New Orleans is showing the 4^th fastest decrease in crime in the United States (average across all four major categories).

1. Columbus, OH = 38.6% decline
2. Meza, AZ = 32.5% decline
3. Suffolk, NY = 33.0% decline
4. New Orleans, LA = 26.8% decline

[Above sources include:  Metropolitan Crime Commission, NOPD, and the Major Cities Chiefs Association Violent Crime Survey.  You can see the national crime data  here] 

Recognizing this improvement, but also the loss that continues, NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said, “…Our work is far from finished, and we remain committed to continuing this progress and ensuring that every resident of New Orleans can live in safety and peace.”

• You can read more about – and join – the NOLA Coalition at NOLAcoalition.info
• You can read the NOLA Coalition press release here
• You can read press coverage here:
  • NOLA.com:  New Orleans crime rates have fallen faster than other US cities. Here’s why, group says.
  • Fox8:  New Orleans sees notable drop in violent crimes  
  • WWL:  NOLA Coalition updates anti-violence mission, promotes drop in violent crime
  • Biz New Orleans:  Three Highlights from NOLA Coalition’s Two-Year Report