The National Night Out Against Crime included more than 200 community gatherings in New Orleans. City leaders and criminal justice officials attended a kick-off rally in Tremé.
New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says fighting crime remains a top priority for his administration.
“We have the U.S. Attorney, we have the FBI, the ATF, the DEA. We got everybody. State representatives and out there we have the community. And as I said in my inaugural speech, we have to work hard together to change the culture of crime and destruction in the city of New Orleans to a culture of life. We have to become a city of peace.”
U.S. Attorney Jim Letten says residents must be involved in fighting crime.
“This city belongs to you. It doesn’t belong to a tiny group of criminals who have to turn tail and hide and run when you’re out. It belongs to you. It’s yours for the taking. Keep it, and let’s work together to keep it. God bless you.”
Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas says officers planned to attend all of the community gatherings organized throughout the city with CrimeStoppers.
