News and Updates

February 16, 2015

Public Safety Concerns Addressed at January's Neighborhood Leaders Roundtable

by NoraAnn Winbush, Senior Liaison
Filed under: leadership development, public safety

A very engaged crowd of over 100 neighborhood leaders gathered on January 31st for the Neighborhood Engagement Office’s first quarterly forum of 2015 at Sojourner Truth Neighborhood Center. The Neighborhood Leaders Roundtable featured presentations, discussions and recommendations surrounding the important issue of public safety.

Many first-time attendees had the opportunity to experience an up-close-and-personal conversation with key public safety officials.  Chief Michael Harrison of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and Chief Timothy McConnell of the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) addressed the group of leaders and presented departmental overviews and visions for City services under their command. A considerable portion of time was also dedicated to questions and answers. Many leaders were excited to have their quality of life and neighborhood concerns directly addressed by the public safety officials.  

Immediately following the presentations, 12 groups of neighborhood leaders held roundtable discussions during which they worked together to identify preventive measures community members can take to address public safety issues. It was strongly encouraged that leaders and residents concerned with public safety join their Police Community Advisory Board (PCAB) in their NOPD District. 

The Neighborhood Leaders Roundtable is specifically designed for community leaders to talk with City leadership, network across neighborhoods, and learn, discuss, and explore solutions with government officials. These forums are held quarterly by the Neighborhood Engagement Office. The next Neighborhood Leaders Roundtable Table will be held on April 18, 2015.