NEW ORLEANS – Hundreds of New Orleanians joined NOPD at A.L. Davis Park in Central City for the 2016 National Night Out Against Crime on yesterday, Tuesday, Oct. 18. Mayor Mitch Landrieu, NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison and City officials kicked off the event, which included a job fair, family-friendly activities and resources from dozens of community organizations.
"I want to thank the people of New Orleans for coming out tonight and standing in solidarity with each other as we do everything we can to reduce violence on the streets of New Orleans and protect the streets for our children," Mayor Landrieu told the crowd.
On top of the kick-off event, NOPD leadership and officers attended more than 200 neighborhood events across the city. Chief Harrison said the engagement with residents is a priority.
"This is what community policing really looks like," said Harrison. "We are working together to find solutions to crime and make our city safe."
Arguably one of the highlights of the night was the return of the so-called "Wobble Cop." With help from Q93FM DJ Wild Wayne, NOPD Officer Winston Harbin brought back the moves that made him famous during the 2014 Carnival season. Others quickly joined him on the dance floor.
Watch Officer Harbin bring back the “Wobble” here
Strengthening community relationships remains top priority
Working with the community to improve police services and strengthen relationships with law enforcement remains the department's top priority. Last week, dozens of residents participated in the NOPD's first-ever "Community Engagement Night Out." The event brought residents from each police district together to give them an opportunity to identify and prioritize the top public safety concerns in their neighborhoods.
The efforts appear to be paying off. Just last week, the New Orleans Crime Coalition (NOCC)’s regular survey showed that public satisfaction with the NOPD has increased to a historic 64 percent, the highest such mark in the survey’s history and an impressive 16-point jump from last year.
