Snelling emphasized that officers will be stationed along the entire parade route, and the department canceled days off to ensure adequate manpower for both the parade and potential post-event activities.
"Our primary concern is not just the parade itself, but also the safety in neighborhoods where incidents of violence can occur," Snelling explained. "We want to maintain the festive spirit of the parade while ensuring community safety."
He encouraged the public to alert officers to any suspicious activity and noted that pole markers with letters and numbers will be placed along the route for reporting specific issues. Additionally, Snelling highlighted the department's focus on monitoring large gatherings after the parade concludes.
"We're committed to preserving the parade's celebratory atmosphere," Snelling concluded.