Why Louisiana State Police are chasing vehicles in New Orleans

The big picture: Gov. Jeff Landry created LSP's Troop NOLA this year as a way to crack down on crime.

• Troopers this month started proactive patrols in criminal hotspots with an emphasis on stolen vehicles, guns and drugs, Sgt. Kate Stegall tells Axios.
• "LSP is committed to apprehending these violent offenders while balancing the safety of the public, law enforcement and the suspects involved in these incidents," she said in a statement.
• LSP's pursuit policy in New Orleans is the same for the rest of the state, she said.

Yes, but: NOPD has more stringent rules for vehicle pursuits under the federal consent decree.

• Officers must have a supervisor's approval, and the suspect must have attempted or committed a crime of violence.
• This 14-page document outlines all the factors and rules.

Zoom in: NOPD has had four authorized vehicle pursuits this month, as of 11am Friday, a spokesperson tells Axios. Three ended without arrests, NOPD says, and a report is pending for the fourth.

• In addition, NOPD may assist LSP "in certain operations if LSP requests such assistance," the spokesperson added.
• LSP added that Troop NOLA is "working closely with our local, state and federal partners to identify and apprehend criminals affecting the safety and security of the New Orleans community."

State of play: LSP reported four crashes last week. Three of them involved chases.

• Chases usually are initiated when motorists do not stop after traffic infractions, such as reckless driving, no license plates or heavily tinted windows, LSP says.
• While some people like Metro Crime Commission president Rafael Goyeneche and radio host Kaare Johnson applauded the increased police enforcement, others questioned the safety of chases on public streets.
• Social media chatter focused on a 2023 study by the Police Executive Research Forum that called for more stringent pursuit rules after a spike in fatalities nationally from police chases.

By the numbers: In the last two weeks, Troop NOLA has conducted 102 traffic stops, seized 13 illegally possessed weapons, recovered seven stolen vehicles and made 20 arrests, Stegall says as of Friday night.

• The interactions are the results of proactive patrols and intelligence-led operations, she said.
• LSP also says it has launched "broader criminal investigations" in New Orleans area homicides, drug trafficking and organized crime.

Between the lines: NOPD police chief Anne Kirkpatrick has expressed appreciation for Troop NOLA, referring to the agencies as "partners."

• Privately, city leadership has shared concerns about Landry's increasing involvement and influence in how New Orleans operates.
• Meanwhile, Kirkpatrick has previously highlighted her desire to emerge from the oversight of the consent decree. She's also talked about her goal of refocusing on traffic enforcement, as it's been cut back amid NOPD staffing shortages.

Go deeper:

• What we know about the new Louisiana State Police troop in New Orleans.
• Listen to Metro Crime Commission president Rafael Goyeneche explain the policy differences.
• Report recommends limiting police pursuits to violent crimes after rise in fatalities.