We Have Not Forgotten
NEW ORLEANS – In the wake of the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street – an attack that took 14 lives, shattered families, and left a scar on our city’s soul – the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation (NOPJF) took action to ensure that an event like that could not happen again. Following immediate responses to support our law enforcement officers, the NOPJF entered a strategic partnership with Teneo, a global advisory firm, to harden New Orleans to any future attacks. Risk and security expert and former Commissioner of the NYPD, William J. Bratton, led Teneo’s intensive public safety assessment of the city. In response to the assessment, the NOPJF feels an obligation to address the significant changes outlined in the report.
Despite the preference that the Teneo report remain confidential for safety reasons, the NOPJF team recognizes the need for a thorough, transparent, and thoughtful response to the tragic event. As such, the final version of the report was provided directly to NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, to Mayor LaToya Cantrell, to both the City Council President and the Chair of the Criminal Justice Committee, for review of recommendations that may be taken under advisement and released to the public at their discretion. The loss of innocent lives, the terror unleashed upon our beloved city, and the enduring pain felt by countless families demand nothing less than an honest evaluation of our security systems, our community’s trust, and our law enforcement practices. We also believe that we must approach the report with a critical eye, balancing reform with reality, compassion with accountability, and justice with progress.
The NOPJF, which has for 30 years been an advocate for law enforcement, accountable justice, and the right of every citizen to feel safe, has always advocated for a police force that is equipped with the latest tools and training needed to protect the public. While many of the security recommendations by Teneo require a specific, direct action, other recommendations such as increased training, RTCC improvements, OSINT tools, and a robust Intelligence Unit are those in which NOPJF may make further enhancements. We support any initiative that enhances public safety and strengthens our collective resilience in the face of violence and terror. We caution against any simplistic, reactionary responses that fail to consider the complexity of the problems at hand.
The Teneo report proposes substantial changes to the French Quarter and the NOPD. While we acknowledge that progress is needed, and we appreciate the intent to provide solutions to prevent future tragedies, we must make it clear that some of the suggested measures should only be implemented after careful consideration for the needs of the citizens of our unique city. We understand the pressures of preserving our culture but also remind everyone not to forget what happened on January 1st, 2025. We have no doubt that our community, our leaders, and our law enforcement officers will ensure that any reforms we pursue are both constructive and sustainable.
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*NOTE: The NOPJF delivered the report directly to the NOPD Superintendent, the Mayor, and members of the New Orleans City Council. The report is being made available here following its appearance on public news sites and to ensure portions are not taken out of context.
The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation (NOPJF) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making New Orleans a safer place in which to live, work and visit. The Foundation accomplishes this by promoting excellence in policing, efficiency in criminal justice, and positive community engagement. The NOPJF was founded in 1995 by concerned citizens who believed the NOPD needed additional resources to effectively police the city. For more information, please visit: www.nopjf.org
