Local police departments prepare for Christmas parades

Christmas parades are right around the corner, and while they are exciting they do raise some very serious safety concerns. 

The yearly events draw in hundreds, sometimes even thousands of men, women and children and that presents a number of challenges.

In just a couple of days hundreds of people will be flooding the streets to watch parades across Delmarva, and police agencies are prepping to keep folks safe during the holiday celebrations.

"It’s traditionally attended by numerous members of our community. People from outside of the area come in to watch it. It’s a really great event," said Salisbury Police Chief Barbara Duncan.

Christmas parades in Salisbury, Cambridge, and other communities will be taking place this weekend and officials say keeping the public safe during the festive event is their number one priority.

"We make sure we have plenty of security, plenty of officers out there. Not only are we participating in the parade, but we’re also on every street corner on every city block so a police officer is easily accessible," said Cambridge Lieutenant Justin Todd.

For the parade in Salisbury on Sunday, the police department will team up with the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.

"Between the two agencies, we have a solid presence out there. We’re able to make sure the intersections remain safe. And if needed they can be made passable for emergency apparatus at a moments notice," said Duncan.

 Jaycee Christmas Parade member, Jason Rhodes, said that officials are trained for emergency events if anything were to happen.  Like back in 2014, when Salisbury’s Christmas Parade took an abrupt and almost violent turn due to protesters.

"We have plans in place. Normally we don’t have to use them. There was an incident at the parade a few years ago where there was a demonstration and the police were wonderful. There was about a 10 minute delay and then everything got back underway," said Rhodes.

But officials add that it also takes the community in addition to the police to keep the family friendly event safe for everyone.

"Be vigilant. Holidays bring a special time of the year for many people. But there’s also people out there that are hurting and there's criminal activity that takes place and they know where to target," said Todd.

One other tip that officials are giving parade goers to stay safe, is that if they see something, say something.