By: Thanh Truong | fox8live.com | March 5, 2025
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – The heightened police presence in New Orleans during Mardi Gras helped deliver one of the safest Carnival seasons in recent history, according to law enforcement officials and public safety advocates.
Following the deadly New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security designated Mardi Gras as a Special Event Assessment Rating 1 (SEAR 1) event, allowing federal, state, and local agencies to coordinate security efforts.
That designation led to a surge in law enforcement presence during the Sugar Bowl, through the Super Bowl, and into the peak of Carnival season.
During the weeks of parties and parades, many locals and visitors said the added and very visible layers of security made them feel safer.
“Just seeing them around makes you feel more comfortable,” said Veronica Morris, who was celebrating with her walking group in the French Quarter.
Rafael Goyeneche, president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, says the boost in police manpower and changes in barriers and traffic patterns, will likely be game changers.
“The major objective was no major incidents along the parade routes. Mission accomplished,” said Goyeneche.
According to Goyeneche the coordination among the NOPD, state and federal law enforcement delivered a Mardi Gras that saw a historically low number of arrests.
“I’m compiling the numbers right now, but I think it’s going to be one of the safest Mardi Gras that the city has enjoyed over the past 20 years,” said Goyeneche.
Following the New Year’s Day attack, law enforcement placed additional focus on securing the French Quarter, with increased patrols, new traffic barriers, and enhanced surveillance.
Michelle Courseault, executive director of the French Quarter Management District, said it remains unclear whether this level of security will become the norm for future Mardi Gras celebrations.
“Anything that make the French Quarter feel and function as a safe place is always appreciated. So, without many incidents that I’ve heard of thus far, 24 hours later, I think the outcome is positive,” said Courseault.
Goyeneche noted that a SEAR 1 designation is typically reserved for events with a single, concentrated location, making Mardi Gras a unique challenge due to the vast parade routes stretching across the city. He says covering that amount of area can be difficult to sustain year after year.