Police chief: City looking at possible curfew to stem violent crime
1/6/2007, 1:54 p.m. CT

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — This city, which has recorded at least eight killings this year, is looking at imposing a curfew as a way to help stem the violence, police Superintendent Warren Riley said Saturday. "It's something we're just sort of talking about, to see if that will make a difference," he said. A previous curfew, along with fewer people in the city because of Hurricane Katrina, seemed to be effective, he said. Some residents have called for a march on City Hall Thursday to demand action by city officials in response to the violence. On Saturday, Riley and Mayor Ray Nagin sought to reassure the city that they are doing all they can to make New Orleans safer.

Both men said they understood citizens' concerns, but Nagin urged residents not to make decisions on whether to stay in this still-rebuilding city based on the recent killings.