Hi,
I would like to know how safe is New Orleans in regards to security, theft, racism, crime rates etc.... It would be great if someone can answer this, because I am planning on checking the place out this summer.

New Orleans' crime rate is about mid-range for major U.S. cities. It used to be much higher but thanks to a new police chief, increased police staffing, a youth curfew, etc. the situation is better now. Just take the same precautions you would in New York, Miami, Atlanta, Denver, etc. and you shouldn't have any problems.

New Orleans is safe. Just stay off of dark streets and don't walk around drunk. I was there last week and police were everywhere.

The French Quarter is one of the most heavily policed areas in the country. You'll be fine.

If you're going in the summer, be more concerned about coping with the very hot, humid weather you're going to experience!

a New Orleans police officer told me that 95% of the major crime occurs in neighborhoods tourists never see. this is probably true of most cities. I felt perfectly safe in New Orleans and we stayed in a place where we walked several blocks to get to the French quarter.

My husband and I just came back from a few days in New Orleans. I agree with the other response about most crimes occur in neighborhoods tourists don't see. However, please realize that although NO is lovely (especially the Garden District), Bourbon Street itself is a dump. By day it smells like vomit from previous night's drinking and at night, it's a mob scene. I expected the French Quarter to be a little bit more upscale but many of the buildings seemed like they needed a good bath or we're falling apart at the seams.
You will enjoy Jackson Square, great restaurants especially Martinique's Bistro and Feelings Cafe, great architecture in the Garden District and overall just a joie de vivre.
WHat you won't like is the very slow St. Charles StreetCar so take cabs to avoid taking it. Have a great trip.