OCTOBER 8TH RECOGNIZED AS SECOND ANNUAL NEW ORLEANS LAW ENFORCEMENT DAY
Coinciding with Night Out Against Crime, NOPJF Encourages Citizens and Businesses to go “10-8” (in-service) by Wearing Blue Clothing and Displaying Blue Lights to Show Their Support
NEW ORLEANS (October 7, 2024) – The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation (NOPJF) is inviting the citizens of the greater New Orleans region to go blue by wearing blue clothing and displaying blue lights on buildings and homes on Tuesday, October 8th to honor our local law enforcement officers who tirelessly work to keep our community safe. The date is significant in that “10-8” is the police radio code for “in-service” and is also the regional observance for the Night Out Against Crime.
For the second year in a row, the NOPJF submitted a request to the Honorable City Council President JP Morrell to declare Go Blue Day in New Orleans. Council President Morrell will issue a proclamation honoring all divisions of local law enforcement in Council Chambers on Tuesday, October 8th, the day of the observance. Those honored include, but are certainly not limited to, police officers, sheriff deputies, harbor, levee, university, railway, and governmental organizations whose sole dedication is public safety. Through this recognition, the NOPJF hopes to boost morale and retention in understaffed departments as well as demonstrate to officers that our citizens have their “six.”
View the 2023 observance and proclamation here.
In recognition of the observance, several iconic and historic buildings that make up the New Orleans skyline will be illuminated blue acknowledging the dedication and sacrifice of our local law enforcement officers. As the centers of so many cultural events, their lights remind the world that New Orleans supports its officers. Iconic locations going BLUE include the following:
- Caesars Superdome at 1500 Sugar Bowl Drive, New Orleans, LA 70112
- Hibernia Tower at 812 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
- Sheraton New Orleans Hotel at 500 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Aloft New Orleans Downtown at 225 Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
- The Roosevelt New Orleans at 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112
The NOPJF, whose mission is to make New Orleans a safer place to live, work, and visit, is responsible for numerous programs that daily impact the lives and investigations of our officers. Today, NOPJF is focused on enhancing its core programs including advanced officer training, youth engagement and community events, officer safety and wellness, tuition assistance for higher education, Mardi Gras support, and increasing the effectiveness of units and districts. Units recently impacted in partnership with NOPJF include the Canine Unit for whom the NOPJF facilitates annual certifications through the National Police Canine Association, the Digital Forensics Unit for whom the NOPJF acquires rare or unique hardware and software, and the District Investigative Units from which the NOPJF sends detectives for specialized training.
“In a moment of crisis, blue lights shine as a beacon of hope for our communities,” said Melanie Talia, CEO of the NOPJF. “It is through unwavering courage and selfless service that our law enforcement officers protect and preserve the very fabric of our community. Go Blue Day is about the citizens showing our appreciation.”
While the focus of this day is the gratitude for current law enforcement officers, we acknowledge those who previously served and especially remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Louisiana has lost 3 officers in the line of duty in 2024. Nationally to date, 110 law enforcement officers have been killed in line of duty incidents with 283 officers shot. Policing remains one of the most dangerous jobs in the country.
The NOPJF asks that you thank every officer you encounter and display blue lighting on porches, landscaping, garage interiors, windows, businesses, and any way that might illuminate the night of October 8th in blue. The sight of blue lights on a dark night signals to officers, deputies, and all members of law enforcement that they have the support of the community they are sworn to protect. Share your photos on social media using #BlueNOLA
About the NOPJF:
The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation (NOPJF) is a 501 © (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making New Orleans a safer place in which to live, work and visit. The Foundation accomplishes its mission by promoting excellence in policing, efficiency in criminal justice and positive community engagement. For more information, please visit: www.nopjf.org or join the NOPJF as they honor local law enforcement at the annual Stake Out for Justice Luncheon on October 15, 2024 at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel.
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PHOTOS:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1y8HFkZDGf-uXDMels9hq_wrud2xfeFL3?usp=sharing
SHARE SUPPORT:
Using the hashtag #BlueNOLA
2023 OBSERVANCE:
https://nopjf.org/nolaleday/NCE:
PROCLAMATION COPY FOR NEW ORLEANS LAW ENFORCEMENT DAY
October 8, 2024
WHEREAS, New Orleans law enforcement services are vital to every community and an expectation of a proactive crime deterrence strategy and compassionate response to emergency calls for service dramatically improves the quality of life of those who experience an emergency; and
WHEREAS, members of our law enforcement organizations are routinely prepared to enter dangerous situations without hesitation to deescalate, render life-saving aid, and administer justice; and
WHEREAS, New Orleans law enforcement consists of police officers, sheriff deputies, university, levee, railway, and governmental organizations whose sole dedication is public safety; and
WHEREAS, New Orleans law enforcement must apply and pass a background investigation before enrolling in a rigorous regiment of education, physical fitness, and hands-on training before the state will grant a commission; and
WHEREAS, the City of New Orleans recognizes the value and accomplishments of our law enforcement personnel and their critical service to the residents of our community; and NOW THEREFORE
BE IT PROCLAIMED that the New Orleans City Council recognizes Tuesday, October 8th as NEW ORLEANS LAW ENFORCEMENT DAY 2024 and honors the selflessness of each officer in the City of New Orleans.
