The Mid-City Security District was created by law to provide security in Mid-City above and beyond that which would normally be provided by the New Orleans Police Department. It was formed and approved by the voters of Mid-City in 2008, and renewed for 5 years in 2014. It is a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, not the City of New Orleans. MSCD officers patrol and respond to 911 calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

All MCSD officers are commissioned NOPD working overtime NOPD shifts, and have the same authority and responsibilities as when they are working their regular shifts. Their primary responsibilities in the MCSD are to patrol within the boundaries of the MCSD and respond to emergency calls. The patrol cars carry all of the same equipment as NOPD cars, and monitor emergency dispatches and radio traffic from both 1st and 3rd District police stations. The officers make both routine and requested checks of businesses and residences.