Brooklyn’s J’ouvert festival will have enhanced safety measures this year

The city is taking extra steps to ensure that this year’s J’ouvert, the popular day-break festival that precedes Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Carnival, is the safest one yet. In order to do this, Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYPD chief of patrol Terence Monahan announced that the city will implement new security measures that mirror those conducted in Times Square for New Year’s Eve, reports the New York Times.

The city had already announced plans to push back the event’s 4 a.m. start time to 6 a.m. in an effort to curb the skirmishes of the past few years. (Two people died and four were shot at last year’s event.)

In addition to that, the NYPD will shut down the two-mile parade route and formation area beginning at 11 p.m. the night before. On the day of, revelers will have to enter through one of 12 checkpoints along the route. Just like on New Year’s Eve, backpacks, large bags, alcohol, and weapons (of course) will be prohibited.

In addition to the enforcement of checkpoints, new high-resolution surveillance cameras will be erected along the route as well as increased lighting and a police presence of more than 3,000 officers.

“We believe these efforts will make a big difference and we also believe that the unity that has been exhibited by all of the stakeholders in seeking this plan and spreading the word to the community that this plan is what everyone believes will work best, that that is going to play a crucial role,” said Mayor de Blasio.

J’ouvert is set to take place on September 4 beginning at 6 a.m. and will organize on Flatbush Avenue between Grand Army Plaza and Empire Boulevard. The West Indian American Day Carnival follows that, beginning at 11 a.m. along Eastern Parkway.

• Safety Plan for J’ouvert in Brooklyn Borrows From New Year’s Eve Tactics [New York Times]