Consultants recommend Bourbon Street be made pedestrian-only, officials weigh in
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Months after the New Year's terror attack, a new report is recommending that Bourbon Street become pedestrian-only permanently.
It's something New Orleans Police Department Chief Anne Kirkpatrick says is out of her hands, pointing to the mayor and the city council.
'The bigger question is before the city itself, and they must make some decisions regarding the level of closures that are acceptable to this city and this community,' said Kirkpatrick.
However, Kirkpatrick says the department has already begun implementing necessary recommendations that don't need approval, such as placing more barriers and officers in the French Quarter.
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'We have the ability with the rivets to raise or lower bills in those barriers so they can be quickly moved, making sure that the officers who are working out there are trained on that, and they have accesses,' said Kirkpatrick.
The report suggested that the only vehicles that should be allowed in the area are emergency vehicles and trucks delivering to businesses during a certain time of day.
Consultants also cited the lack of officers able to respond to a threat, but that is a recommendation the chief won't budge on.
'If you do not and should not be a police officer. I will not allow you to be hired. We're doing what we can to hire the right people without compromise,' said Kirkpatrick.
Darrah Schaeffer with the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation says he is thankful for the report. He agrees it should be up to city leaders, to decide how to best implement the recommendations.
'There are a lot of questions that have to be addressed, and I'm sure that the city council, the mayor's office, and nobody will think through all of those and come up with good solutions,' said Schaefer.
Kirkpatrick said she does agree with the need for a fusion center, which will allow agencies to share information to prevent future crimes or attacks.Texas lottery player claims he was cheated out of $95 million jackpot win
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Warm and sunny Thursday on the way
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