During the 2025 Mardi Gras season in New Orleans, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) reported a significant decrease in crime statistics compared to previous years. Here are the key statistics:
- Property Crimes: There were 435 reported property crimes during the 12-day Mardi Gras period from February 21 to March 4, 2025. This represents a substantial decrease from the 853 property crimes reported in 2024.
- Persons Crimes: The NOPD recorded 58 reported persons crimes, down from 98 in 2024.
- According to New Orleans police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, murders are down 25%, nonfatal shootings are down by 41%, armed robberies are down by 32% and carjackings are down by 42%.
The decrease in crime is attributed to enhanced security measures, including federal support and collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. More specifically, due to the city’s SEAR 1 rating for Mardi Gras, the city was given beefed-up resources, such as barriers and roughly 120 bomb dogs.
SEAR 1?
A SEAR (Special Event Assessment Rating) 1 designation, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), signifies a “significant event with national and/or international importance that may require extensive federal interagency support,” and events in this category require federal assistance for security. The Super Bowl, in early February, was held in New Orleans.