Security measures underway ahead of Rose Parade in Pasadena
PASADENA, Calif. (NBC, KYMA) - Security is a major focus for Pasadena, California officials as they prepare to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for the Rose Parade on New Year's Day, police officials say this is an all-hands-on-deck event.
With about a million people expected to attend the 137th Annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, security will be a top priority.
"We have lots of folks that are going to be out here, some that will be in uniform, and others that you won't even be able to see, we'll also have some other air assets, and things out here that we take kind of on the down low, but let us do the things we need to do," said Chief Eugene Harris with the Pasadena Police Department (PPD).
Chief Harris says it's a coordinated effort, with federal, state and local law enforcement all working together to keep crowds safe, along the five-and-a-half-mile parade route, with a zero tolerance for disruptive and illegal behavior.
"Our jail is empty, we'll be happy to fill it if we have to do that. The goal is to go though this without having to arrest a single person, cite a single person because everybody is living up to the responsibility of coming out and enjoying themselves," Harris shared.
People can start setting up along Colorado Blvd at noon New Year's Eve, the street will close to traffic at 10:00 p.m. Pacific, and the parade kicks off at 8:00 a.m. Pacific New Year's Day. Rain is expected both days.
"We're not going to let a little rain dampen our spirits, I mean people are out here visiting from many different states," said Lisa Derderian, Public Information Officer for PPD.
Even with the rain, Derderian says the parade remains an iconic tradition drawing visitors from near and far each year.
"We want to showcase what we have and New Year's Day and the parade is a prime example of how can we do that, so rain or shine you are still going to see some beautiful floats," Derderian expressed.
From an organizational and security perspective, Harris says it sets the standard for large scale events, showing the world how to do them safely and efficiently.
"If you pay attention to the way we are managing it, your event could turn out the same way. Ideally we want to be at the beginning of the year we want to be the one that sets the tone for the remainder of the year," Harris explained.
