New Orleans Improved Security Efforts Result in Safe Super Bowl

What Happened?

Following the rampage by a driver in downtown New Orleans that killed fourteen and injured dozens, the city of New Orleans implemented a number of security improvements.

It all paid off with a safe and secure Super Bowl on Sunday. 

More than three thousand officers from agencies including the Department of Homeland Security and the Louisiana State Police were deployed to downtown New Orleans for the big game. 

Bourbon Street was closed off from five in the morning until five in the evening, and many security barriers which were still under repair for the truck attack were replaced and working prior to the Super Bowl. 

Why it Matters

At stake was not just the reputation of the city of New Orleans but also the integrity of the biggest sporting event of the year annually in the United States. 

Because they are high profile events with lots of crowds, sporting venues are often attractive targets for malicious actors. They see opportunities to both cause mass casualties and generate a lot of attention. 

For host cities the challenge is to provide adequate security while still enabling fans and the public to enjoy the event as intended. More than one hundred thousand visitors came to New Orleans during Super Bowl week, which culminated in the big game on Sunday.

The Louisiana Governor issued a statement saying “We must prioritize the safety of every single visitor and resident in the city,” he said in a statement. “These security measures were put in place to balance the security of everyone with the freedoms we all enjoy in this country.”

Each year the National Football League utilizes a sophisticated security coordination cell consisting of ex-military and law enforcement personnel to plan and prepare for the next Super Bowl. 

This year drones, armed guards, police dogs, and rooftop snipers were part of the overall security effort. In addition to the Super Bowl, some of the extra security for this Super Bowl was for the visit by President Trump. 

Presidential security details always provide their own personnel and planning, although they often coordinate with local law enforcement and event planners.

In addition to the Presidential visit and large crowds, the number of celebrities attending the Super Bowl created both a fun environment for fans and a one-of-a-kind challenge for security professionals. 

How it Affects You

The safety and security of the Super Bowl is of national importance for Americans, who often regard the game as a highlight of the year for sports and entertainment. 

The heavy and highly visible security presence has both practical and psychological dimensions. Practically the presence of so many security officials provides comprehensive physical safety measures while creating a psychological barrier in the minds of any potential perpetrators. 

Taken together these security measures allowed New Orleans to safely host a unique security challenge.