Many things are “uniquely New Orleans” and one of them is the special relationship between the police department and the public when it comes to hosting huge events. The NOPD is known far and wide for their unique adeptness at crowd control for large (and potentially chaotic) gatherings such as Mardi Gras. Former New Orleans Police Chief Ronal Serpas says a spirit of cooperation is built into the DNA of police officers in the Crescent City and it’s mutually beneficial for the department and the public.
Serpas notes that public trust in the police department is crucial not just for the safety of parade attendees or those attending sporting events, but for the benefit of the public and the NOPD year-round. "If you're making enemies on the parade route, you're reducing the opportunity to protect yourself if you have to do something dangerous," he emphasizes.
Serpas went on to say that fostering public trust and cooperation during the parades and other big events can have a prolonged effect on public perception and their long-term relationship with the department. "If people having fun, get out of the way. If people are hurting each other, stop it. The police and the crowd have to be working together," added the former NOPD Chief.
He says officers both new and seasoned understand that as part of the culture in the city, and that's a huge part of why the city is so well-versed in safely hosting huge crowds year after year. "I truly believe no city does it better than New Orleans," Serpas noted.
A relationship of trust is fundamental in making New Orleans a destination for events
A relationship of trust is fundamental in making New Orleans a destination for events
