Louisiana has a legacy. And, a city of half a millions bums, drunks and criminals.
The half million bums, drunks and criminals you refer to are from out of town. They come to New Orleans from places like where you live. Could be friends and neighbors of yours. The police keep these animals mostly corralled in the French Quarter where they publicly drink, get drunk, fornicate and puke and urinate all over the streets. Not very nice people. After their stay here they go back to wherever they are from. Could be your city.