TL/DR –
New Orleans will initiate homeless camp sweeps in the French Quarter and parts of Marigny, as Louisiana State Police increase their presence in these regions to combat homelessness and crime. The New Orleans Police Department will conduct a sweep to remove any person camping out in these areas, while the French Quarter Management District has approved $260,000 of funding for a new State Police detail focused on “Quality of Life and Nuisance Sweeps.” The proposed strategies have been criticized by advocates for individuals experiencing homelessness, with concerns raised about potential forced relocations and increased policing.
New Orleans to Tackle Homelessness with Sweeps in French Quarter and Marigny
Homeless camp sweeps will begin in New Orleans’ French Quarter and Marigny by officials next week. Simultaneously, a state-created board has asked for an increased Louisiana State Police presence in the area, part of a broader commitment to address homelessness, crime, and quality-of-life issues.
The New Orleans Police Department will conduct sweeps to remove items such as tents and blankets from the sidewalks according to 8th District Captain Samuel Palumbo’s statements at the French Quarter Management District board meeting.
No sleeping will be allowed in the French Quarter, a plan developed by the city’s Office of Homeless Services. The French Quarter Management District approved a $260,000 proposal to fund a State Police detail that will focus on Quality of Life and Nuisance Sweeps in collaboration with the New Orleans Police Department and other law enforcement agencies.
Sergeant Kate Stegall, a State Police spokesperson, confirmed that the agency was assessing the feasibility of the district’s request.
The FQMD’s unanimous proposal addresses concerns about public order, nuisance activities, and safety in the Vieux Carré. Business owners and residents have voiced concerns about issues like homelessness and unpermitted vending. Both initiatives fit into Mayor Cantrell administration’s multi-year plan to clear homeless encampments and provide shelter and subsidized housing to homeless people.
Despite a drop in violent crime, Captain Palumbo acknowledged that significant improvements are still needed regarding quality of life in the French Quarter. The Office of Homeless Services will assist in moving people from the street into the city’s Low Barrier Shelter.
The primary aim is not to make arrests but to clear sidewalks, a measure only taken when necessary, affirmed Palumbo.
These sweeps have drawn criticism from homelessness advocates. Angela Owczarek from New Orleans Homeless and Houseless Advocacy claims these actions often involve profiling and policing. Owczarek also highlighted previous city officials’ opposition to state-led encampment sweeps and a proposed public camping ban.
Concerns exist that the proposed sweep in French Quarter could displace people unwilling to go to the shelter. Once the French Quarter is cleared, officers will focus on the Central Business District. The management district’s plan to fund a Louisiana State Police detail in the French Quarter could play a part in keeping the neighborhood free from street sleepers.
The district’s proposal builds on the proven success of the Louisiana State Police in improving the quality of life during major events in the French Quarter. State Police also cleared homeless encampments and relocated individuals to a single designated site or temporary shelter ahead of the Taylor Swift concert and Super Bowl.
The district has agreed to fund extra state officer hours even as Troop NOLA branch of State Police was launched last year by Landry. The Cantrell administration is working to quickly move people from shelters to subsidized housing. Since 2023, the city has housed over a thousand people from homeless shelters and encampments.
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