NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tish announced on Friday that the upcoming j’ouvert and West Indian American Day Parade will see the deployment of 2,500 police officers to ensure safety during the festivities.
“This is the largest police presence we’ve seen this year, even surpassing the Times Square events and the Fourth of July,” she noted.
Tish emphasized the importance of keeping the atmosphere celebratory, asserting, “This weekend is about celebrating Caribbean culture, music, and pride, not about violence or chaos overshadowing the festivities.”
The j’ouvert and parade usually take place together in Brooklyn, kicking off with the early morning j’ouvert that honors Caribbean heritage.
However, past events have seen moments of violence, notably in 2015 when an aide to Andrew Cuomo was tragically shot amidst gang-related crossfire.
This year, Tish reassured the public that there are no specific or credible threats aimed at the j’ouvert or parade. The police have collaborated for months with local organizers, community groups, and city officials to craft a comprehensive security plan.
“We will deploy 2,500 officers, particularly in areas prone to gang activity,” she explained.
The route will be closed to traffic along Eastern Parkway, with the j’ouvert path following Flatbush Avenue. NYPD officers will set up at 13 entry points along Empire Boulevard and Nostrand Avenue, which will utilize handheld metal detectors for security.
