Law Enforcement Prepping For Possible Heat Win
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – With the Miami Heat just one victory away from hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy as NBA Champions, law enforcement is preparing for what could be a wild party in the streets Thursday night and into Friday morning.
Miami Beach Police plan to have extra officers on the city's streets as the Heat head into Game 5 Thursday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Miami leads the best-of-seven series 3-1 over the Thunder.
"Not if…. but when the heat win tonight we're gonna be ready," said Sgt. Freddie Cruz, of Miami Police. "We're gonna be providing more police services more uniformed police and we're also gonna have undercover officers
NBA history is with the Heat Thursday night as no team has ever come back from 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals, an overall 30-0 record when a team takes a 3-1 lead.
Miami Police Sergeant Cruz said Biscayne Boulevard in front of the American Airlines Arena will be closed as usual after the game to help with traffic.
Cruz said officers will be prepared for a few impromptu street parties if the Heat wins the championship Thursday night. Miami Police expect fans to cooperate with officers once Biscayne Boulevard is re-opened to traffic.
The party is also expected to spill over into South Beach. So Miami Beach Police are also doing their own preps. They have double the manpower in to handle revelers on Ocean Drive and they might close part of the that street if the heat go all the way.
In Hialeah, Police and other staff were putting up barricades Thursday morning.
"This place is gonna get really congested," said Carl Zogby, spokesman for Hialeah Police. "We're a hot spot and everybody knows it. People come from all over the county they come to 49th street they come on foot. They come in their cars. They're cheering they're honking their horns and we love it."
Hialeah Police will have about 40 extra officers manning intersections and monitoring the potential party.
"Just follow the laws, driving laws," said Zogby. "No reckless driving. Nobody climbs on top of your car while you're driving. If you break all of the sudden the person will hit the streets… bad news. So as long as you're, you know,
