New Orleans Police Union Seeks Changes to Vehicle-Force Policy Ahead of Mardi Gras

Union argues current rules may leave officers uncertain during life-threatening emergencies involving vehicles

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Police Association of New Orleans is calling for changes to the New Orleans Police Department's use-of-force policy, arguing that current rules restricting officers from firing at or from a moving vehicle except in very limited circumstances can create hesitation in fast-moving situations where a vehicle is being used as a weapon. The union says the policy puts officers in a 'no-win situation' and is asking the department to clarify or revise the policy to give officers more discretion in extreme, life-threatening circumstances.

Why it matters

The request comes after several 2025 incidents in New Orleans involving vehicles used as weapons, including a terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, a case where a police sergeant fired after being intentionally run over, and another incident where an officer was dragged by a vehicle. The Police Association argues the current policy may leave officers uncertain during high-stakes emergencies, especially ahead of large public events like Mardi Gras where vehicle attacks are a concern.

The details

In a letter to NOPD leadership, the Police Association of New Orleans asked the department to revisit policy language that restricts officers from firing at or from a moving vehicle except in very limited circumstances. Union representatives say the intent of the rule is to prevent unnecessary shootings, but it can also create hesitation in fast-moving situations where a vehicle is being used as a deadly weapon. They argue the policy forces officers to choose between following department rules or acting immediately to stop a threat, potentially putting themselves or civilians at risk.

  • In 2025, there were several incidents in New Orleans involving vehicles used as weapons, including a terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, a case where a police sergeant fired after being intentionally run over, and another incident where an officer was dragged by a vehicle.

The players

Police Association of New Orleans

The police union that represents officers in New Orleans and is calling for changes to the department's use-of-force policy regarding vehicles.

New Orleans Police Department

The law enforcement agency in New Orleans that the Police Association is asking to revisit and clarify its policy on using force against vehicles.

Eric Hessler

A representative of the Police Association of New Orleans who argues the current policy puts officers in a 'no-win situation.'

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What they’re saying

“If they choose to take action and it violates a department policy, they might essentially be a hero, but they could be in trouble with the department. If they ignore the threat and innocent people are killed, they might have a job, but they have a very difficult decision moving forward.”

— Eric Hessler, Representative, Police Association of New Orleans (wdsu.com)

What’s next

The New Orleans Police Department is currently reviewing the letter and policy request from the Police Association of New Orleans, but has not yet responded publicly.

The takeaway

This debate over the NOPD's use-of-force policy highlights the difficult balance police departments must strike between protecting public safety and ensuring officer accountability, especially in high-stress situations involving vehicles as deadly weapons. The outcome could have significant implications for how New Orleans officers respond to threats during major events like Mardi Gras.