INDIANAPOLIS -- More than a million people are expected to visit the Indiana State Fairgrounds over the next few weeks, and that means additional security concerns for police.
If you’re heading to the fair this year, you’ll be seeing some new security measures, including metal detectors at every pedestrian gate. There will also be a lot more behind the scenes that you won’t see.
Call 6 Investigator Paris Lewbel got an exclusive look at IMPD’s security plan for the state fair – something that’s been in the works for more than a year.
Police say keeping the state fair safe is a 24-hour operation. IMPD will utilize even response group officers who are specially trained in crowd control, as well as officers from the gang unit and homeland security division.
“We will also have a covert presence, both inside the fair and outside the fair – and that will be a variety of officers serving in an undercover capacity,” North District Commander Josh Barker said.
North District will also expand the use of crime data in the area, and it’s not just looking for violent crimes. Last year, IMPD used data to break up a ring of car break-ins in the fairground’s parking lots.
While IMPD wouldn’t go into specifics, it said it will be gathering intelligence and closely tracking social media. It will also be monitoring cameras in and around the fairgrounds.
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