SPPD preparing for safe events, amid FBI warning over terrorist 'copycats'

Local law enforcement vigilant after attack

Law enforcement officials prepare their security plans months ahead of time.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla - After the terror attack in New Orleans, the FBI issued a new warning to local law enforcement agencies over concerns about copy cats.

The St. Pete Police Department is stepping up its security measures for big events.

St. Pete Police Chief Anthony Holloway said his department is constantly evaluating their safety plans for events.

"We don't get a chance to make one mistake because if we do, it probably could cost somebody their lives," said Holloway.

In a city with so many outdoor events, he feels the weight of getting those safety plans right.

The city just hosted thousands at the pier for New Year's Eve. Next up is the MLK Parade and the 4-day-long Grand Prix.

The St. Pete Police Department is stepping up its security measures for big events.

He said police started planning for each of those events the year before.

They are constantly adjusting those plans.

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Now, they'll have to take into consideration heightened tensions around federal warnings about potential copy cats attacks following the terror attack on Bourbon Street,

"Anytime I see terrorism that happened throughout the world, the next thing is, 'is someone going to be a copycat and is someone going to try to outdo that person,'" said Holloway.

Security leading up to the event includes intelligence gathering, checks of social media and playing out different scenarios.

The St. Pete Police Department is stepping up its security measures for big events.

"20 or 30 years ago, you never thought about this, a parade, maybe you would have 20 officers that are out there," said Holloway.

When it comes to preventing vehicle ramming, SPPD utilized barricades and vehicles like garbage trucks along parade routes. There are bollards at the pier.

"We'll look at our vehicles. Vehicles change each and every year. What type of vehicles can't get past those bollards and what type of vehicle can't get past those barriers that we have up," he said. They have to consider if someone tries to use a motorcycle, moped, bike or scooter.

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At the same time, they want to create an atmosphere where people can come, unafraid to safely enjoy the events.

"We don't want these people to win. If you get to the point where you're afraid to go out, then they're going to win," said Holloway.

Holloway said after their big events they conduct an after-actions report, constantly looking at ways to improve as they are trying to think one step ahead of someone looking to cause harm.

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