NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Carnival krewes will have a little more time to round up outside law enforcers to help secure their parade routes.
The city said krewes can go back to their traditional routes, if they can get enough officers to supplement the understaffed NOPD by Monday, January 23.
Apparently, things are far enough along that the city is now preparing to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Susan Hutson reached out to the Louisiana Sheriffs Association for Carnival detail help
Hutson reportedly spent the past week speaking with her fellow sheriffs across the state, making a personal request for assistance.
According to her spokeswoman, there are still some moving pieces, but progress is being made.
Monday, the city sent out a news release about the Mardi Gras agreement.
It will provide the vehicle of funding for outside law enforcement agencies and give Hutson’s office permission to seek mutual aid from the other sheriffs.
The city has offered to pay outside officers $50 per hour for crowd control along parade rates before Fat Tuesday and $75 an hour on Mardi Gras.
City spokesman Gregory Joseph released a statement saying, “This is a significant step in the process of returning official Mardi Gras krewes to their original routes. As a result, the January 23 deadline has been extended as the city finalizes its operational plans to determine if enough external law enforcement officers have signed up to work the necessary details and have a safe and successful Carnival season.”
The city and Sheriff Hutson remain hopeful help is on the way.
City parade routes were originally shortened again this year because of the NOPD’s ongoing manpower issues.
Sheriff Hutson will be addressing the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association at a meeting that begins on Tuesday in Natchitoches.
She plans to make another appeal for Mardi Gras assistance.
A final decision on parade routes is expected to be made this week.