Violent and deadly outbursts in this country and others around the world are causing new law enforcement strategies at large public events. An increased police presence was in place for Lexington’s Fourth of July Festival and the Pride Festival in late June. Lexington Police Chief Mark Barnard says the mass shooting in Florida and terrorist attacks in places like Turkey, Bangladesh, and Iraq have changed police staffing for all future events. “We want to be cautious. We also want people to enjoy it, but we also want people to see the officers, that they’re very visible and approachable and feel comfortable in going to the large events that we have.”
Chief Barnard says having enough officers for these large scale public events is not an issue. He says staffing is carried out with overtime hours when needed.?
