Neighborhood Correlates of Violent Crime in New Orleans Since Katrina

• In Event: Violence

Abstract

New Orleans is a city long characterized by violence, especially lethal violence. When Hurricane Katrina hit the city in 2005, it dramatically changed many aspects of life in New Orleans, but what impact did it have on the geographic distribution of violence? In order to answer this question, we examine both calls for service for violent crimes in New Orleans from 2011-2014 and major offense data from the New Orleans Police Department from 2014-2016 in conjunction with census tract data for 2010. Our data analysis indicate violent crime patterns geographically similar to those present before Katrina, but with some key differences that we believe are directly related to the changes caused by Katrina. We conclude with policy implications that speak to abatement of violent crime in New Orleans as it exists today.

Authors

• Kelly Frailing, Loyola University New Orleans

• Dee Harper, Loyola University New Orleans

• Ronal Serpas, Loyola University New Orleans