The consultant hired to help the New Orleans Police Department with its security plans for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras spoke today.
Bill Bratton, for New York Police Commissioner, was hired by the NOPD in the wake of the New Year's Day Bourbon St. attack to assess current safety measures, identify areas for improvement, and recommend strategies to bolster public safety.
His fee is being paid by the non-profit New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation.
Bratton said since he has arrived in town, he has witnessed a lot of extraordinary planning for the two upcoming events.
"I was very impressed with what I was exposed to in the last couple of hours in terms of what has been done up to now for the Super Bowl and for Mardi Gras," said Bratton.
Bratton recognized how large events in New Orleans are different than what he has experience as commissioner in New York, and as a police chief in Los Angeles.
For example, Bratton noted that you cannot close off the French Quarter the way NYPD closes off Times Square on New Year's Eve.
"I can't envision penning in Mardi Gras here in New Orleans the way it's been done in New York City for the dropping of the ball," said Bratton.
Bratton said it is important to develop security measures that do not change the "excitement" of Mardi Gras.