LEXINGTON, Ky. — Police are preparing for major events later in the year. Following the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans, Lexington police are making sure their security measures are safe from breaches.

What You Need To Know

  • Lexington is hosting various events celebrarting its 250th anniversary 

  • Lexington is hosting NCAA basketball in March and a Tyler Childers stadium concert in April at Kroger Field

  • Police agencies say they work together on security 

  • In event of an emergency, police say dial 911

Lexington is celebrating its 250th anniversary with events throughout the year, some bigger than others. Security measures are handled by the city’s police department.

“Our bureau of special operations is in charge of that, and they work hand-in-hand with our special investigations unit, which includes our intelligence unit,” said Sgt. Guy Miller.

Miller, the department’s public information officer, said Lex PD works with state, federal and other local departments as needed for large events that attract statewide and out-of-state visitors.

“We have task force officers with our federal partners and it’s just a phone call away to ask for additional resources as needed to an event,” Miller said.

In March, Lexington will also host the first and second rounds of the NCAA basketball tournament at Rupp Arena and in April, a Tyler Childers concert at Kroger Field.

“We do a risk assessment on each venue before that event and then we look at what strategies do we need to put in place, what mitigation measures need to be taken,” said University of Kentucky Police Department chief Joe Monroe.

Monroe said the terrorist attack in New Orleans was a failure in the security plan.

“We take things to the point where we may go to the other extreme, but we’d rather be very aggressive in our approach when we implement our strategies to protect our patrons,” Monroe said.

Lex PD said it’s their daily mission to prevent and intervene to keep the city safe, but their number one asset is you, the community.

“Report anything suspicious, especially if they’re making threats or something is just out of the ordinary. Report that to your local law enforcement so they can be aware of it,” Miller said.

Both departments say to always be aware of your surroundings and in the event of an emergency, to dial 911.

Lexington Police ask businesses with cameras with a view of public spaces to integrate them into the department’s Real-Time Intelligence Center.

Kentucky State Police sent Spectrum News 1 a statement regarding its role in security measures:

“The Kentucky State Police is committed to providing public safety to all Kentuckians and visitors of the commonwealth. The agency will continue to respond to emergencies and other needs while working alongside local and federal partners. To not hinder security operations, KSP does not provide specific details regarding security protocols.”

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