News Releases

MPD Will Enforce the Law for Youth Violence at Mardi Gras

Jan 22nd, 2016

The threat of youth violence is absolutely a big concern during Mardi Gras. The Mobile Police Department is aware of the incredible threats that have been made recently on social media.

Commonly, groups of young people call themselves a gang but not all are violent but can be. There are adolescent gangs that organize from a neighborhood affiliation and engage in delinquent activity not oftentimes violent. On the other hand, criminal gangs organize around some criminal activity using violence or the threat of violence. MPD takes them both very seriously.

For public safety, MPD will have a stronger law enforcement presence at Mardi Gras with use of the Intelligence Unit, uniformed officers, mounted patrol, undercover officers, and Project Shield, which is a public-private partnership of camera surveillance systems.

Specifically, officers will be looking for anyone carrying a gun illegally at Mardi Gras. "If you are a minor, you cannot possess a gun," says Chief James Barber of the Mobile Police Department. "If you are a kid carrying a gun, we will enforce the law."


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Charlette Solis
Mobile Police Department
Public Affairs Officer
251-208-1918