Former New York Police Department Chief Bill Bratton completes analysis on French Quarter security
Mar 24, 2025
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Former New York Police Department Chief William Bratton has completed his assessment of New Orleans security after working with the New Orleans Police Department through the Super Bowl and Carnival.
According to New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation Chairman of the Boa
rd Darrah Schaefer, these recommendations will start with a hardening of the French Quarter, primarily on Bourbon Street.
Additional arrests made in connection with St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office sergeant’s death
"The focus was on vehicle ramming incidents once again because of the January 1 attack. They did do a scan for French Quarter Festival while they were in town. They were in town for six to eight weeks. It was a team of six to eight of them at all times and these are the top security experts possibly in the world," Schaefer said.
Schaefer says Teneo's best safety recommendation to harden Bourbon Street will be to restrict vehicle traffic significantly, except for required deliveries or emergency services. However, the conversation about what system works best is still up for discussion.
"We have to have people man the gates for example to raise and lower them and have an understanding for what types of vehicles the type of day that works best," Schaefer said.
Expert discusses tariff effects on New Orleans consumers
Balancing accessibility and safety is key to some business owners on Bourbon Street, such as Patrick's Bar Vin owner Patrick Van Hoorebeek, who says compromises may be needed if they want to secure Bourbon Street for the future.
"I believe that we can find a way to adjust that and maybe start to do the delivery in the morning like starting at 6 o'clock. I know all those guys and delivery drivers are going to hate me for saying that but that's the thing. It's got to be a compromise," Van Hoorebeek said.
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
New Orleans police connect burglaries at homes 'For Sale'
Dense fog advisory in effect early Tuesday
Former New York Police Department Chief Bill Bratton completes analysis on French Quarter security
Pelicans use balanced scoring to send the 76ers to their 5th straight loss, 112-99
Expert discusses tariff effects on New Orleans consumers
...read more read less