Most people focus only on the parades, parties and bars during the Carnival season. This is done without giving a thought to the numerous precautions taken by various agencies to enable this fun. This year is no different.
The New Orleans Police Department and University Police have multiple plans to keep the fun clean and safe.
The NOPD is setting up many typical and some new security measures to ensure the safety of those taking in the festivities.
Several hundred uniformed officers will be patrolling the parade routes and uptown areas. Captain Marlon Defillo declined to comment on the exact number of policemen in the area due to security concerns but did state that there was a slight increase in number for this Mardi Gras season from the previous seasons.
Along with the uniformed officers, a large number of plain-clothes officers will be walking with the crowds. The main purpose for this is gathering intelligence and to head off problems that uniformed policemen might not notice or be able to react to quickly.
Besides relying on manpower, the NOPD will be using eyes in the sky to monitor parade routes. Security cameras were installed in multiple areas; some are located along the parade routes and are being used to observe the areas during the parades.
For on-campus security, the University Police are taking every precaution to guarantee the security of Loyola students and their guests. Starting Friday in each residential hall, officers will be present from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Until Wednesday, the only people allowed to enter the dorms will be students with IDs that have a building sticker and spring validation sticker and guests that have a university issued temporary ID and are on a guest list.
Another safety measure the UP will be taking is restricting access to both parking garages. The Freret Street Garage will remain open on a restricted basis; only permit holders can enter and must swipe their university ID card to enter.
Short-term parking permits will be issued to guests and the metered parking areas will remain open. Floors two through four of the West Road Garage will be closed today at 6 p.m. until Wednesday at 6 a.m. The first level of the garage will be chained during this period.
Both the NOPD and UP have issued safety tips for students and those new to Mardi Gras. Captain Defillo said that all people under the legal age of 21 should refrain from drinking any alcoholic beverage.
Those of age that decide to drink should do so in moderation and avoid losing control. Drinking underage or losing control is an easy way to get arrested.
The police have little patience at this time of year. Something very important to remember is that Residential Life will not bail students out of jail during Mardi Gras and more than likely students will end up at Central Lockup or in a field sitting in a tent.
When going out, it is highly suggested to go in large groups and use the buddy system.
Wandering off alone or into areas off the beaten path is not advisable.
It is also a bad idea to go off with strangers. This doesn’t apply to just children; it is a problem with college students and adults as well.
There are many ways to enjoy the parades but getting injured fighting for beads or other goodies can be a problem. If doubloons or beads fall on the ground, place your foot on them and pick them up after the float has passed.
Otherwise, you risk getting stomped on or knocked over. The same risk applies if you chase a float.
Also, don’t throw things back to the floats or beg riders to throw you things. It’s not appropriate or viewed as socially acceptable.
Tara Templeton can be reached at [email protected].
