As students returned to campus for the spring semester, New Orleans police reported that violent crime continued to trend downward in 2025, marking it the third consecutive year of declines citywide.
The New Orleans Police Department’s year-end crime data show reductions in several violent offenses, including homicides, shootings, armed robberies and carjackings. Police officials said the decreases extend a pattern that began after crime levels peaked in 2022, when New Orleans recorded some of the highest per-capita violence rates in the country.
According to NOPD statistics, the city recorded 121 homicides in 2025, less than half the total reported three years earlier. Police also reported notable drops in nonfatal shootings and carjackings, which officials attributed to focused enforcement efforts and partnerships with community organizations.
The release of the crime report came days after U.S. President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of roughly 350 National Guard officers to New Orleans. The troops have been stationed in busy areas, such as the French Quarter, to increase security during large events, though they do not have the authority to make arrests or conduct investigations. Instead, National Guard officers are there to direct crowds and support local police.
Police chief Anne Kirkpatrick said the National Guard’s arrival should not be interpreted as a response to rising crime.
“The downward trend was already happening,” Kirkpatrick said during a news conference. “Our goal is to continue building on that progress.”
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry supported the deployment, saying additional personnel could help deter crime during periods of high tourism and major public events. Guard members are expected to remain in the city through early 2026, including during the Mardi Gras season.
For students, the report comes amid ongoing conversations about safety both on and off campus. Loyola University Police Department continues to encourage students to remain alert, use safety resources and download the Loyola Safety Alert app to contact LUPD when needed.
NOPD officials acknowledged that while citywide trends are improving, violence has not disappeared. Some neighborhoods continue to experience higher crime rates, and said sustained progress will require long-term investment in prevention.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
