The superintendent of the NOPD likes what she sees in the crime fight in the city, but not some of the efforts lawmakers are making in Baton Rouge.
"We've been making such progress," Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick told WWL's Newell Normand. "Our numbers and our ability to reduce violent crime... we are moving all in the right direction, and this is now a headwind."
The police department says year to date crime is down 24% in the city, with violent crime down 29%.
The Metro Crime Commission applauds recent reductions in crime in New Orleans, but points out most major crime categories now are still significantly higher than they were in 2019.
Meanwhile Chief Kirkpatrick publicly opposes the bill in the special session of the Louisiana Legislature to all the carry of concealed of guns without training or permits.
"It is going to have an overall negative impact," she insisted. "This is going to complicate it, and make it very difficult for law enforcement to keep people safe."
She says more people carrying hidden guns will hurt the public and cops.
"It increases the risk of harm to the community. It increases the risk of harm to an officer."
Supporters of the measure insist that having more law-abiding citizens carrying concealed guns will deter criminals and allow for more members of the public to end crimes when they happen.