There will be an expanded presence of state police troopers in New Orleans as Mardi Gras ramps up for the final weekend.  They have committed 165 troopers to working the French Quarter and the  metro area.  Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says they will perform a variety of assignment.

“Criminal investigations, crowd control, traffic control...  We will also have a contingency plain clothes officers to protect citizens and of course, visitors to New Orleans.”
Last year, troopers had to pull dozens of weapons off the streets.  Matey says it’s something they will  look out for.
“We're definitely going to be looking for people carry weapons illegally or using weapons illegally.  That's something that we've always focused on and we want to maintain the safety in and around the parade route and the French Quarter area.”
Matey says citizens can utilize a special phone app called “See Send” if they suspect suspicious activity during the celebrations.
“If you're wrong in what you think that is completely fine, but if you are right you can save a lot of lives.”
Other tips Matey gives include not to carry large sums of money, have a plan for your children and what they should do if they become separated from you in the large crowds and remove valuables from your vehicle while it is parked.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL