By: Chris Welty | fox8live.com | June 25, 2025
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Louisiana State Police say Troop NOLA is making a measurable impact in its first year and could expand its presence in the city when a new class of cadets graduates in December.
Troop NOLA launched in March 2024 with a mission to reduce violent crime in New Orleans. Since then, the specialized unit has made nearly 500 arrests, recovered over 50 stolen vehicles, seized around 200 firearms, and confiscated drugs.
The initiative is part of Gov. Jeff Landry’s broader crime-reduction strategy.
“When we look at Troop NOLA as focusing on proactive patrols and intelligence-led policing, all of those things combined with our community involvement, we’ve achieved success in lowering violent crime rates,” said Sgt. Kate Stegall with Louisiana State Police.
A recent New Orleans Crime Coalition survey of 800 residents shows 59% support the presence of State Police in the city, while 27% feel the effort isn’t working.
“I do feel like they’re doing a good job and they are a resource we needed so much,” said Jumal Oatis, a New Orleans resident.
Zoa Vietes said, “I think they’re doing a good job for what they’re able to do. I still say we have high crime that really needs to be worked on.”
Rafael Goyeneche, president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, said the joint efforts of the New Orleans Police Department and Troop NOLA are making a difference.
“Crime was exceedingly high and in the two years before the troopers arrived here, we saw the police department begin to strategically re-access their strategies,” said Goyeneche.
He said as enforcement ramps up, repeat offenders adapt, requiring constant vigilance.
“When the police or law enforcement are successful in one area, you see the repeat offenders change their strategies. It is the constant game of cat and mouse,” Goyeneche said.
Troop NOLA currently operates with 25 troopers, but Stegall said that number is often higher during major events. The program also brings high-tech resources like crime cameras, license plate readers, and access to the State Police Crime Lab.
“This is really a win for the city of New Orleans and the ultimate goal for whether it is the Governor, State Police or the Attorney General is to bring down crime throughout Louisiana,” Goyeneche said.
State Police and residents acknowledge there is more work to do.
“I think having them here has helped and I love my city. I wouldn’t go anywhere else to live,” said Vietes.