With the Mardi Gras season underway and drawing to a close, the NOPD have certainly had their hands full. But if any force in the world can handle simultaneous revelry and enforcement, it’s these guys.
You may have seen video circulating of officers doing a mean Cha Cha Slide or making sure targeted throws get to who they are intended and Chief Anne Kirkpatrick says her team knows how to preside with the festivities not just over them.
“You can keep people safe and have a good time.”
Chief also says don't let the fun fool you; her men and women are not taking safety lightly.
“We’ve had a few guns out there on the parade route and they’ve got quite a few of them.”
One of the hot topics of the carnival season has been the issue of tarps, chairs, and other belongings left along parade routes to mark territory and the city pledging to be more stringent about enforcement of the rules that surround such. Like the four hour rule. But, has NOPD had to step in for any adamant ne’er-do-wells?
Chief Kirkpatrick says that although her officers are ready to intervene if necessary for any situation that may become unsavory, parks and parkways is the first line of enforcement and have not had any circumstance rise to the level of a need for officer involvement.
“We try not to get involved unless it is serious. Everything so far has been a cooperative experience.”
The NOPD along with dozens of law enforcement partners have been able to maintain mostly peaceful law and order. However, one story of unrest has a cop himself at the center of the story.
Cell phone video has circulated on social media of an NOPD officer shoving a High School band member seemingly unprovoked.
Chief Anne Kirkpatrick had this to say regarding the incident, “I am aware of the situation. We knew almost immediately and took the officer off of the parade route. We are hoping for a resolve suitable to all parties soon.”
