Public safety officers prepare for Jazz Fest and Party in the Park

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Crowd control and safety are a top priority for Rochester police, looking ahead to Party in the Park and the Jazz Festival. The state also chipped in about $100,000 dollars to ensure hefty security for the upcoming events. Rochester police didn’t detail what it went to specifically but says its officers will be in reach—anywhere if needed.

"Officers volunteer within our department to work these special events, we’d never pull someone from patrol,” Lt. Greg Bello said.

Rochester police say it will have officers working all crosswalks, directing traffic and bobbing and weaving through the crowds. How many does it take to staff the event? RPD says it depends.

"It’s going to vary on a day-to-day basis and also based on crowd size, how many events are going on where the events are, some are on Parcel Five and some extend to MLK Park,” Bello said.

With the recent violent crime in the city, some people have said they may not return to city events. RPD says safety is their top priority.

"We had a record number of homicides last year. Those homicides are not happening at our special events. Violent crime is predominately in several small areas of the city that are distressed for a multitude of reasons downtown is vibrant events are vibrant we are doing everything we can to keep it safe,” Bello added.

Police couldn’t get into too much detail, but there will be safety protocols you might not be able to see.

"Within our federal task force that we’re members of the FBI, joint terrorism task force, ATF, DEA, we’re working with all federal and state partners,” Bello said.

Bello said that RPD is up to date on intelligence and has not heard of any potential threats or risks for the event.