Editorial: All over Louisiana there is good news to crime | Our views

Louisiana recorded a remarkable turn two years after a nationwide political campaign in which urban crime was a major problem.

New Orleans saw a severe decline in murder and gun violence, whereby in 2025 the safest year was since 1970. After an average of 200 murders per year in the past five years, the city had deregistered 53 at the beginning of July. And that includes the tragic New Year's Terror attack on the Bourbon Street, which lived 14 night owls.

Shreveport also recorded far fewer murders in 2025, almost half as many as in the previous year.

Baton Rouge also sees fewer murders this year to trace 19% compared to the first half of 2024.

These drops are part of a national trend from which officials and researchers are encouraged, but also not exactly how they can split the loan. But things are happening that are certainly part of the larger puzzle.

In New Orleans, analyst Jeff Asher refers to an infusion of resources from the American rescue plan and the federal law enforcement authorities, the state, the city and the non -profit organizations.

The drop in crime falls with the arrival of troops Nola, the effective and well-received, well-received unit of troops Nola beforehand. The Ministry of Health of Mayor Latoya Cantrell heads a program that includes interruption in violence and focuses on trauma, and non-profit organizations are on board to offer therapy and community services.

Rafael Goyeneche, President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, also indicates a proactive focus on violent offenders through the constant police department of New Orleans.

The chief of police from Shreveport, Wayne Smith, led the good news in his city on an intensive focus on getting firearms from the wrong hands.

In Baton Rouge – and also in New Orleans – the police countered the lack of personnel by increasing partnerships with law enforcement agencies of the federal and state governments.

Other factors are probably the end of covid disorders and the increased use of advanced technology.

We also recognize from community-guided initiatives such as the broad-based Nola Coalition, which works to build support for the NOPD and invest in urgently needed youth services.

And we appreciate Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill for exceeding political borders to offer help – as well as local officials who do not agree on other questions have put these differences aside.

None of this can be said that everything is quite good. Rape in New Orleans has expired and Baton Rouge has seen a scourge of retail theft. The devastating effects of violent crimes on victims and their families do not reduce just because there is less. Crime is often cyclical and can tick again when officials disappoint their guard.

If progress occurs, it is worth applauding – and understand so that those responsible can be better prepared to protect people when the leaf turns again.