City of New Orleans preparing for Super Bowl-like approach to Mardi Gras
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The City of New Orleans is preparing for its first Carnival season following the New Year's terror attack and on the heels of Super Bowl LIX.
From Feb. 21 through March 4, there will be enhanced security throughout the city, from National Guard members to bomb dogs, and the city's emergency operations center will be open 24-7. 'This is one of our first moments in our history to where Mardi Gras is a SEAR-1-rated event, and so, that means additional resources and assets at the federal level,' said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
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For the New Orleans Police Department, 600 officers will be assigned to the parades, whereas the remaining 300 will concentrate on outside activity.
New this year: vehicle mitigation measure, specifically a serpentine course, will be implemented along the non-parade side of St. Charles Avenue.'A serpentine means you're going to weave it like a snake,' explained NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick. 'So, it's weaving around barricades that will slow anybody down who thinks they're going to use a vehicle as a weapon.'In the French Quarter, Louisiana State Police will set up an enhanced security zone.
'It will span from Canal Street to St. Anne, Bourbon, including Royal and Dauphine streets,' said LSP Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges. 'Within the zone, no ice chests or coolers will be allowed.'Coolers are permitted along the parade route, but they cannot be left unattended.
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'If you do see an unattended cooler, and you're getting that sense that there's nobody there, please report that immediately to the NOPD non-emergency line at 504-821-2111,' said NOHSEP Director Collin Arnold. Last week, the New Orleans City Council passed a resolution, recognizing that the NOPD may have to prioritize public safety over the confiscation of prohibited items. According to Kirkpatrick, there's time for both.'Please don't put your police department in a position to enforce,' Kirkpatrick said. 'It will be your choice.'
If you see something, say something. That's among the messages officials are pushing this Mardi Gras season.
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City of New Orleans preparing for Super Bowl-like approach to Mardi Gras
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