NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — New data from the Metropolitan Crime Commission shows violent crime in New Orleans continues to drop. It’s a remarkable achievement, according to the commission’s president, Rafael Goyeneche, because the New Orleans Police Department still lacks hundreds of officers. Between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, 2024, 26 homicides occurred in the Seventh District, which covers New Orleans East. The Fifth District, which covers St. Roch and the Bywater, also had 26 year-to-date homicides in 2024. Both districts tied for first in that category. Louisiana State Police investigates multi-vehicle crash on Crescent City Connection Despite the ranking, New Orleans East reached a six-year low in all four major violent crime categories, including homicides, nonfatal shootings, armed robberies and carjackings.  “The Seventh District historically has been one of the two most violent districts in the City of New Orleans, either first or second,” explained Goyeneche. “And they still remain first or second, but their level of reduction is amazing, 70+ percent.” The First District, which includes Mid-City and Treme, saw the largest declines in homicides and nonfatal shootings from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2024, compared to that period last year. Woman hit, killed in crash on Chef Menteur Highway “I think it's great for the city that crime is down,” said Jacob Rodriguez, who lives in Mid-City. “Me, personally, I feel safe here. I leave my doors open all the time.” Goyeneche says contributing factors include technology, additional traffic stops and assistance from Troop NOLA. “So, the reason that we're seeing crime go down citywide and in the districts is because the police aren't necessarily waiting for somebody to dial 911, because they don't have the staff to get there quickly enough to make a difference,” said Goyeneche. “They're being proactive.” To view the full report, visit the Metropolitan Crime Commission website. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Hurricane relief drive results in 57 completely full pallets of supplies Hundreds of business owners in Super Bowl Source Program meet at Caesars Superdome Man armed with rifle accused of threatening FEMA workers in North Carolina 6 people accuse Diddy of sexual assault in new wave of lawsuits Dirt Cheap stores to close after parent company files for bankruptcy