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Security measures ahead of New Year’s Eve and Mummers Parade
Surveillance cameras are up and so are the barricades along Broad Street as Philadelphia police prepare to wrap a security blanket around the Mummers Parade and New Years' Eve events across the city.
SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Surveillance cameras are up and so are the barricades along Broad Street as Philadelphia police prepare to wrap a security blanket around the Mummers Parade and New Years' Eve events across the city.
READ MORE: City considers postponing Mummers Parade due to frigid temperatures
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"We tweaked our plan from last year just slightly based on some of the things we've seen go on around the world," Deputy Commissioner Dennis Wilson said. He is in charge of counter terrorism for Philadelphia police.
For the first time, officials disclosed the police will use a drone to patrol the skies over the parade route on New Year's Day with pictures being streamed live to a police command post.
"They're very good for large events. You get an overhead view of the whole event. If something happens you can zoom in on exactly what the problem is," Deputy Wilson explained.
"I think it's good. It's a safe way to keep everybody covered. Keep everybody safe," Richard Coley said as he walked along the parade route Friday.
Police say they will use large dump trucks and trash trucks at all intersections along Broad Street to protect parade participants and the revelers.
"Blocking vehicles that's every large event now. We have a lot of blocking vehicles out there," the deputy commissioner added.
Police also say that in addition to using SEPTA buses to keep parade-goers warm, police officers on-duty for the parade will also have access to warming centers.
"If someone's getting cold we can send them for a quick break and then right back out on the line," Deputy Wilson said.
Police also issued their annual warning to New Years' eve revelers who might decide to fire off a few celebratory gunshots to ring in the New Year. Their message-don't even think about it.
"If you're gonna engage in that type of activity and we catch you you're gonna be arrested. It's serious charges," Wilson warned.
"They know their job. They know what they're doing. They ARE gonna keep everything safe," Coley added.
Police are again advising the public that if you see something, say something.
Dress warmly and use those warming stations or duck inside somewhere if you're going to be out watching the parade or celebrating New Years' Eve.
Deputy Wilson says right now there are no credible identified threats in Philadelphia.