Lexington and Campus Police discuss safety precautions ahead of upcoming events


Lexington and Campus Police discuss safety precautions ahead of upcoming events

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - With several big events planned for early this year, the deadly attack in New Orleans will be on the minds of many.

"For large scale events, we work with community partners, our local, state and federal partners. But as things change, and as suspects or attackers use different tactics, you have to adjust your plan to keep your community safe," said Sgt Guy Miller, the Supervisor Public Information Office with the Lexington Police Department.

Sgt Miller said they're encouraging organizations or business owners to integrate their cameras into the department's real time intelligence center, especially for use on days when a parade or festival is happening.

"That way when we get a suspicious call we can verify it very quickly and allocate our personnel and resources to that location."

UK Police Chief Joe Monroe said they learn from events like this. They'll even make changes to their own security plans where needed.

"So we'll be changing some of our plans for post game exiting for Rupp Arena. As fans are exiting that, we're going to make it safer for them so they don't have to worry about cars coming down the road," said Chief Monroe.

Chief Monroe said when an event is first scheduled, like the upcoming Tyler Childers concert, they immediately begin doing risk assessments.

"You don't wait until the last minute before you change. You have to have a plan. You have to have a plan for mitigation strategies and you have to have a plan for operations."

Both Chief Monroe and Sgt Miller stressed the importance of situational awareness when attending large events. They said if you see or hear anything out of the norm, immediately tell staff, and leave if you don't feel safe.

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