INDIANAPOLIS - NBA All-Star 2024 week has arrived.
Law enforcement and city officials detailed plans Monday morning on how they plan to keep Indy's residents and the more than 125,000 visitors expected in town safe.
Public safety officials say this will be an all-hands-on-deck operation this weekend here in downtown Indianapolis that has been in the works for years.
“We’re prepared for what may come our way," said Christopher Bailey, who was confirmed as IMPD's new chief of police Monday afternoon. "We’re also looking at events and parties and things outside of the downtown area. There’s more than a typical weekend here."
IMPD said the department will have a beefed-up presence not only downtown but all across Marion County as all six districts will be out in full force working this weekend.
"It was a canceled day off in advance, it was a prohibited day off that way we have enough officers out there to deal with whatever comes our way," said Bailey.
IMPD will also have a real-time crime center that will be live and remote monitoring hundreds of cameras throughout Indianapolis and at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
“The use of drones is a new bit of technology and the number of public safety cameras that we’ve invested in thanks to investments from the mayor's office and the City-County Council over the last several years. We have more remote and virtual presence than we’ve ever had in the past," said Bailey.
IFD will also have deputy fire marshals on hand throughout Marion County checking capacity at events.
“Please be respectful of these people and understand that if we tell you that there’s too many people in an event it’s for your safety," said IFD Fire Marshal Chief Michael Beard.
Marion County Emergency Management announced a new mass alert texting system.
Officials ask you to text "NBAALLSTAR2024" to 67283 and you’ll be opted in for important safety information.
Once the weekend is over, those who registered will be cleared from the database.
Mayor Hogsett said the city is more than prepared for Indianapolis to be on the national stage.
“The delay has been worth the wait. Because we’re now going to have an even bigger and better celebration than we would have had in 2021," said Hogsett.
Traffic control will also be a major focal point downtown. The city will have special blue and gold routes specifically to help drivers navigate all the traffic.
The full news conference can be viewed below:
To find all the information you need to know before you go, click here.