NYPD Boosts Security for Dominican Day Parade
This Sunday, the NYPD is ramping up its police presence at the Dominican Day parade. This decision comes after last year’s event ended early due to a rowdy crowd and law enforcement’s prompt intervention.
The 43rd annual cultural celebration, which will stretch from West 38th Avenue to West 55th Avenue along Manhattan’s Sixth Avenue, is set to feature 500 more officers compared to last year, according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who shared this information with reporters on Friday.
“Like all the major parades in New York City, we’ve got plans in place to ensure a safe and peaceful event,” Tisch stated. “The NYPD personnel will be on hand to protect everyone along the route this year.”
In total, there will be 957 uniformed police officers and 140 traffic agents present, as noted by NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta.
This year’s parade will also kick off two hours earlier, at 11 AM, as a proactive safety measure decided by the NYPD and parade organizers, Gulotta explained.
Last year’s event saw a significant disruption when crowds became wild around 46th Avenue, leading to those in the audience jumping over barricades.
Later that day, a 19-year-old was arrested for allegedly attacking a 65-year-old man with a knife during a skirmish just off the parade route.
Following that incident, the parade was abruptly stopped before reaching Central Park. Tisch remarked, “It’s unacceptable, and we won’t let such behavior happen again,” adding that incidents like these don’t represent the majority of attendees who were there to celebrate.
Reflecting on the previous parade, Tisch mentioned, “We probably disrupted staffing that day.” It seems like learning from last year’s challenges is a priority this time around.
She expressed confidence that the changes would yield positive outcomes, highlighting that this year’s deployment will include uniformed officers stationed along the route, traffic agents at intersections, emergency service units, mounted units, K9 teams, and counterterrorism personnel.
“Our auxiliary officers will also be on hand to offer support,” she continued, mentioning that “helicopters and drones will be in use during the parade to assist those on the ground, ensuring comprehensive coverage in real time.” She emphasized that while some assets would be visible, others would not be immediately apparent.
Currently, Tisch stated that no specific credible threats have been identified, nor is there any indication of potential gang-related violence.
“But we remain vigilant, as always, alongside our law enforcement partners,” she added.
On Sunday, starting at 10 AM, Sixth Avenue will be closed to all traffic between 34th and 42nd Avenues, including cross traffic. The street closure will then extend from 42nd to 55th Avenue at 10:30 AM and will stay in place until the festivities wrap up.
During the parade, pedestrians will only be permitted to cross at 39th, 42nd, 45th, 48th, and 51st Avenues, with only authorized vehicles allowed on the parade route.
