NYPD outlines security for J'ouvert and West Indian Day parade in Brooklyn
NEW YORK -- After a pandemic pause, the West Indian Day Parade is officially back in Brooklyn this weekend and police are promising to keep the thousands of people who plan to celebrate safe.
While the NYPD said bad actors have caused violence at and around the annual Labor Day event over the years, this year they have an extensive plan - months in the making - to make sure the focus stays on traditions and fun, CBS2's Andrea Grymes reported Friday.
The dancing has already started on Eastern Parkway. West Indian pride was on full display ahead of Monday's big festivities: the parade and pre-dawn J'ouvert celebration.
"This is my thing, I love it and I'm having a ball. I cannot wait until Monday," said Janice Romeo, a Crown Heights resident.
Police are hoping for a celebratory day, not one with gun and gang violence that has marred it in the past.
Inside the Carey Gabay Recreation Center, the NYPD and city officials held a news conference on security measures. Gabay, an aide of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, was shot and killed during J'ouvert in 2015.
"At the NYPD, we know historically the problems that we've had at these events," said NYPD Chief of Patrol Jeffrey Maddrey. "We want people to come out and have a good time. We just want everyone to be safe."
Safety measures will be similar to Times Square on New Year's Eve. There will be 13 entry points for J'ouvert participants and spectators. Everyone will be screened for weapons and alcohol, something that started during the last official J'ouvert in 2019.
"It was quite successful. There was zero acts of violence recorded at our last J'ouvet," said Commanding Officer Michael Kemper.
Police said they're increasing the use of video surveillance this year with nearly 200 portable cameras, so cops can be deployed to hotspots before violence flares.
Expect lots of officers and barricades on the route, plus a multi-agency team working all weekend to monitor house parties and catering halls that have proved problematic in the past.
Gabay's widow hopes it all saves another family from going through what they have.
"Labor Day weekend is a time to celebrate. It's a time to hone into the heritage and the culture and I just want it to be a safe celebration," said Trenelle Gabay.
Earlier this week, Maddrey said police asked for a ceasefire between young men and women who may engage in violence in the community, especially this weekend.