Even though the city of New Orleans has made great stride in reducing crime since the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, murder rates are still climbing. In fact, New Orleans was at the top of the annual list released on Monday for national crimes released by the FBI for murders.
Statistics used are based on information obtained from local law enforcement agencies and-the U.S. Census Bureau for the poplulation of the area. Theofficial figure used for the population of New Orleans was 281.444 from July 1, 2008. This number used by the FBI for the report shows 64 murders per 100,000.
This number has been challenged by city officials to be higher. However, it does not change the fact that New Orleans is still at the top of the national list for murder per capita.
St. Louis, MO was the second city on the list.with 47 murders per 100,000 people. Baton Rouge, LA, which is less than 100 miles from New Orleans also made the top 10 list, coming in at number 7 in the nation. Baton Rouge's statistics show 30 murders per 100,000.
Overall, violent crimes in New Orleans were down 17% and crime overall was down 7%. Rates in the deep south were also down overall 2%.
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