Agencies Working Together to Increase Security for Mardi Gras

Agencies Working Together to Increase Security for Mardi Gras

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Feb 08, 2016

With thousands of people pouring into New Orleans for Mardi Gras, security is beefing up from the Port of New Orleans to the French Quarter and even parade routes. Local, state and federal officials says public safety remains the priority. Some in Louisiana are saying this is the most security at Mardi Gras since 9/11.

The first line of defense for Mardi Gras, which is usually celebrated from mid-January through early-February, is Customs and Border Protection Agents along with the U.S. Coast Guard who carefully inspect imported good for the sake of the celebrations. Beads, merchandise and float materials are carefully inspected upon arrival and prohibited items are confiscated.

Police barricades are in place to keep mobile transportation away from crowds of people enjoying the parades. This year, certain sections of the parade routes have been designated as “no throw zones” because of congestion and safety concerns.

Officials said the city's police force of more than 1,100 officers will be bolstered by 170 state troopers, 100 FBI agents and dozens of officers from nearby law enforcement agencies.

Those officers will be placed along parade routes and patrolling through neighborhoods. Along with their weapons, police will be wearing body cameras.

State police will also continue to check-in with the FBI and other agencies to make sure New Orleans and the State aren’t facing any possible security threats during the festivities.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Securing the Future

    Two security experts sit down with Security Today’s editor in chief Ralph C. Jensen to discuss what they see emerging and changing over the next several years along with how security stakeholders can harness these innovations into opportunities. Read Now

  • Collaboration Made Easy Using a Work Management Platform

    Effective collaboration between security operators, teams and other departments is critical to the smooth functioning of organizations. Yet, as organizations grow in complexity, it becomes more difficult for teams to coordinate with each other. This is compounded by staffing shortages, turnover and ineffective collaboration tools. Read Now

  • Creating a Safer World

    Managing and supporting locks and door hardware within a facility is a big responsibility. A building’s security needs to change over time as occupancy and use demands evolve, which can make it even more challenging. Read Now

  • Report: 78 Percent of CISOs Seeing Significant Impact from AI-Powered Cyber Threats

    Darktrace recently unveiled its 2025 State of AI Cybersecurity report. The findings reveal that 78% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) surveyed say that AI-powered threats are having a significant impact on their organizations, a 5% increase1 from 2024. While an increasing number of CISOs report feeling a significant impact from AI threats, more than 60% now say that they are adequately prepared to defend against these threats, an increase of nearly 15% year-over-year. However, insufficient AI knowledge and skills and a shortage of personnel and talent continue to be listed as the two top inhibitors to a successful defense. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.