New Water-Filled Barricades Protecting Rose Parade Route Will Go Up on New Year’s Day

Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez said Wednesday that law enforcement officials will lock down 56 streets in Pasadena which intersect with the Rose Parade route by deploying chicanes of water-filled barriers, patrol vehicles, and armed officers to prevent a vehicle attack similar to those which have occurred in Germany and in France.

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At a press conference detailing security preparations for the 128th Rose Parade and the 103rd Rose Bowl Game, Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez said no known threats exist for the events leading up to January 2 and afterwards, but the “heightened and constantly evolving security” has become the norm for the annual celebration, and the department is ensuring that aggressive measures are in place to mitigate any concerns about safety and security.

“This year, motorists driving in close proximity to the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game will encounter barriers at key intersections,” Sanchez said. “The barriers are intended to help prevent unauthorized vehicles from accessing the parade route or secure areas at the Rose Bowl Stadium. The barriers will be installed along the parade route as part of a robust security plan and extra personnel will be nearby to assist motorists.”

Eighty-six people were killed in Nice, France in July after a terrorist drove an explosive-laden vehicle into a large crowd during Bastille Day. On December 19, 12 people died when another truck exploded at a Christmas market in Berlin.

An advisory from City Public Information Officer William Boyer said the City will begin installing the barricades at about 5 p.m. on Sunday.

“The deployment, however, will not cause an early, corresponding closure of Colorado Boulevard or many of the side streets,” the advisory said. “The City will maintain public access to Colorado Boulevard and key intersections for throughout January 1 into January 2. Again, the entire parade route will not close down until 7 a.m. on January 2.”

The Department of Homeland Security has decided to put the Secret Service in charge of coordinating federal agency efforts to secure the New Year event. The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard, ATF and more than a dozen other agencies will be providing resources and personnel in support of the effort.

Rob Savage, Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service Los Angeles Field Office, said the public should be reminded of the vital role they play in the success of the security plan.

“Whether you’re attending these events or not, if you see something, say something,” Savage said. “Report suspicious activities to local law enforcement and to public safety officials who are in the best position to respond.”
Chief Sanchez said even with several state and federal authorities helping secure the area, they still “cannot do it alone” when it comes to security and anti-terrorism efforts.

“The Pasadena Police Department will rely heavily again this year on our community,” Pasadena Police Chief Phillip L. Sanchez said. “We have invested in a theme for many years now of, `See something, say something.”‘
Earlier this month, Pasadena police officials said they will be deploying more than 1,500 uniformed and undercover officers throughout the city for the 2017 event. Cameras will also be deployed along the entire parade route, and officers will be using bomb sniffing dogs and metal detectors on every person entering the Rose Bowl.

With the parade route and the Rose Bowl to be declared as no-fly zones, drones are prohibited from flying over those two venues. The Tournament of Roses association said they will be implementing a “clear bag” policy especially at the Rose Bowl Game.
Pasadena Fire Chief Bertral Washington said they will not be allowing bonfires along the parade route, where people usually start to converge the night before the Rose Parade. Stressing that it could be cold on Sunday night, Washington advised those going to the area at night to prepare warm clothing, and to bring food and water.

“We would also ask that you make sure that there are no alcoholic beverages,” Washington said. “These things can make dehydration a bit easier as well as cause a potential for hypothermia. The Pasadena Fire Department will be on the parade route throughout the evening. We will make sure that there are no prohibited fires as well as other hazards.”

Washington said they will allow small barbecue fires for heat and cooking, but these have to be at least one foot off the ground and at least 25 feet away from any combustible materials. He advised parade spectators to leave their pets at home.

Sanchez said any unusual activity can be reported through (626) 744-4241, or to 911 in the case of life-threatening situations.

“We are well prepared, our efforts are well-refined,” Sanchez said. “At the end of the day, this plan will be well-executed, and we can ensure that we’ve taken every step to ensure the safety of our parade goers and those folks attending the game.”

Sanchez said more information and advisories will be sustained through the City of Pasadena website, www.cityofpasadena.net, and through the police and fire department social media platforms.
People attending the parade can also text ROSEPARADE to 888777 to activate public safety alerts related to the event on their smart phones.

The Department of Homeland Security has decided to put the Secret Service in charge of coordinating federal agency efforts to secure the New Year event. The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard, ATF and more than a dozen other agencies will be providing resources and personnel in support of the effort.

Rob Savage, Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service Los Angeles Field Office, said the public should be reminded of the vital role they play in the success of the security plan.

“Whether you’re attending these events or not, if you see something, say something,” Savage said. “Report suspicious activities to local law enforcement and to public safety officials who are in the best position to respond.”