Some people have questioned the level of security in New Orleans. Many complain that too many authorities have been pulled out of New Orleans too quickly. One way to put things into perspective is to take a look at how many units responded to an apparent weapons violation on Bourbon Street on Thursday, October 6, 2005 in the early afternoon.
When the possible firearms violation was reported something like the following happened:
1) Dispatch sent a fleet of US Marshalls wearing body amour to secure the area by handcuffing multiple individuals;
2) To be on the safe side backup in the form of a series of NYPD officers was sent;
3) To make sure things were handled as they should be handled in Louisiana a few Louisiana State Police units were dispatched;
4) Since this is in the heart of New Orleans a few NOPD officers were added to the mix;
5) To make sure that a fire did not break out (it was a fire arm violation after all) a fire engine was finally thrown in for good measure (OK. Maybe the fire truck just happened to pass by
).
I would say that we do not have enough authorities at this time if you believe that having dozens of agents responding to one possible handgun violation is not enough.
Nevertheless, the question is not the ability of the authorities to maintain order at this time. Right now the public is generally safe in New Orleans from my perspective. The question we have to ask is, Will the public generally remain safe in the weeks and months ahead as more individuals without the means to support themselves return to New Orleans?
CLICK HERE for almost 200 pictures showing how the authorities responded to a possible weapons violation.
Keep in mind while looking at the pictures that all suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law!
Click here if you want to discuss about crime and safety in New Orleans at our newly launched message board at http://nola.us/forum/showthread.php?t=40
