Orleans touts drop in 4th-quarter murders NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Figures released by New Orleans officials show overall crime down by just 1 percent in 2012 compared to 2011 — but they also show a significant drop in the final three months of last year. "When our overall crime numbers are down, as well as our most violent crimes- murders, rapes and armed robberies- we know we're on the right path, and that it's safer for our residents in their neighborhoods as well on the streets of New Orleans", Superintendent Ronal Serpas said in a prepared statement.