DDD Responds to Suspension of Police Detail Services;
Additional DDD Public Safety Rangers on Duty

In response to the New Orleans Police Department’s suspension of police detail services,  the Downtown Development District has increased patrols Downtown by its Public Safety Rangers.  The Public Safety Rangers are a uniformed, non-deputized public safety presence who act as eyes and ears for the police.  Rangers patrol Downtown on bike and on foot, and report suspicious activity to the authorities.  Rangers also address quality of life issues such as homelessness, panhandling and code enforcement.

Rangers will patrol between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. seven days per week.  Previously, Ranger hours were 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  In addition, the number of Rangers patrolling in the afternoon and evening hours will be increased.  With these changes, the total number of hours worked by DDD Public Safety Rangers will increase by 54%. 

“While we understand that additional Ranger patrols are not an equal substitute for NOPD detail patrols, the DDD believes that they can contribute to keeping Downtown safe until questions about police details are resolved,” said Kurt Weigle, President and CEO of the Downtown Development District of New Orleans.  “The DDD has expressed to Superintendent Serpas the need for continued NOPD details in Downtown and its understanding of how to provide these services in the most transparent and accountable way.  Meanwhile, we also are exploring alternative methods of providing enhanced public safety services Downtown.”