Law enforcement and antiviolence organizations unveil security measures for the J'Ouvert parade in Brooklyn.
In an effort to maintain safety and prevent violence during the West Indian Day Parade and J'Ouvert Festival, hundreds of nonprofit workers will be deployed in neighborhoods across Central Brooklyn this weekend.
Among the organizations involved is Elite Learners, led by Camara Jackson. Their focus will be on areas with strong community ties, aiming to prevent minor infractions from escalating and involving the NYPD. Jackson has been working with the city for six months to create a safety plan for the weekend.
Another organization, Brownsville Think Tank Matters, will be led by Al Mathieu. Mathieu and his team will be out early on Monday, ensuring a peaceful celebration during the J'Ouvert parade in Flatbush. They have a history of intervening in the past to prevent arguments from escalating during the J'Ouvert parade. If arguments occur, Mathieu and his team use the crowd to separate the parties and cool them off.
Violence interrupters, who canvas shooting hotspots and build relationships with potential violent individuals, will also be part of the city's efforts. Their role is to provide community-based solutions to violence.
The stakes are high for the Adams administration and public safety in the city, as recent events threaten to derail the narrative of low shootings and homicides. The West Indian Day Parade and J'Ouvert are the city's largest annual celebration of West Indian heritage, and the city is taking no chances.
In addition to the nonprofit workers, the NYPD will be out in force. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that there will be more police deployed at the West Indian Day Parade than at any event this year, including the New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square. Officers will be deployed to local parks, and parade spectators will be scanned using portable metal detectors. Alcohol, weapons, and large bags and backpacks will be prohibited.
However, the search results do not provide information about the Credible Messengers hired by the city to work on violence prevention at the West Indian Day Parade and J'Ouvert Festival weekend.
The National Guard may be sent to cities, including New York, to combat crime, but as of now, the focus remains on the local efforts to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration.
