The NOPD is beefing up traffic enforcement throughout the city in an effort to not only promote driver safety but to combat violent crime.

NOPD has added five more officers to traffic enforcement, allowing for more pro-active efforts.

This new effort, which began about a month ago, is being conducted in problem areas reported by citizens.  The effort is yielding some 900 citations per week for everything from speeding and aggressive driving to brake tag and license plate violations.

According to Traffic Division Commander Lt. Avery Theard, “This is about public safety.  In 2023, there were 65 fatal accidents in New Orleans and speed was a factor in most of those incidents.”

In addition, Traffic enforcement is also a key tool in the fight against violent crime as perpetrators mostly use vehicles to commit their crimes.  “Traffic enforcement and officer visibility can aid in the apprehension of violent offenders as well as catch many other felons through routine traffic stops,” says NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirpatrick.

This addition to the Traffic Divsion is being augmented by increased traffic enforcement in each of the city’s eight Police Districts.  A number of District Officers have been trained in using Radar and Lidar devices and more officers will be trained in the coming months.

In an effort to make the city streets safer, the NOPD is asking citizens to obey all traffic laws regardless of your mode of transportation.  And, if you come upon a traffic stop, be prepared to show your driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration.

For more information about the enhanced enforcement click this link:

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Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.