Louisville officials stress safety precautions for Derby festivities

Louisville residents and tourists are encouraged to take safety precautions while celebrating the 152nd Kentucky Derby May 2.

During an April 28 news conference, Mayor Craig Greenberg, joined by multiple city officials and Churchill Downs leadership, discussed safety, security, traffic planning and parking ahead of the event. First responding agencies, including Louisville Metro Police and the Louisville Fire Department, will be at the track.

“We have partners from local, state and federal agencies that come together to make the greatest two minutes in sports possible,” Churchill Downs Senior Director of Safety, Security and First Aid Dustin Clem said. “We want everyone to have a safe time while they’re at the track.”

Ahead of the event, Clem encouraged people to look at the Kentucky Derby website for information on parking and routes and download the Churchill Downs app to receive updates throughout the day.

LMPD Assistant Chief Bryan Edelen said officers will be “high visible” as they work across the city to ensure safety and keep traffic moving. Though the department wants residents to have fun, Edelen also emphasized the necessity of following the law and warned against street racing.

“While Churchill Downs is certainly the centerpiece, Derby is in every single neighborhood across this community. So are we,” he said. “If you choose to be reckless, the consequences will be real.”

Following reports of fighting at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville, Greenberg said the city has “zero-tolerance” for teenagers looking to disrupt the event, and law enforcement is “prepared.”

“All of the Kentucky Derby Festival events [and] all of the events at Churchill Downs are intended to be safe, fun, family-friendly events, and we will not tolerate this type of behavior,” he said. “You will continue to see this, whether it’s a Kentucky Derby Festival event or otherwise. Our entire city deserves to be able to celebrate to enjoy these wonderful events safely.”

LFD will also have first responders throughout the city as well as during Thurby, the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. Firefighters are tasked with responding to fire alarms and fires, assisting with crowd control and medical emergencies, and identifying hazardous materials.

Fire Chief Brian O’Neill said that the number of responders at the track represents the third largest fire department in Kentucky on those days.

“If you think about 150,000 plus people in one place, if there is an event that happens, we’re not going to be able to get resources in, so we pre-stage everything,” he said.

Louisville Metro Emergency Services Deputy Director Kelly Jones encouraged residents to sign up for LENSAlert to receive emergency notifications. Visitors from out of town can text “Derby” to 67283 to receive notifications during Derby week.

Jones also suggested residents write down where they park their car, understand the prohibited items at the track and bring an extra phone charger.

Though Jones said crime at the track is “very minimal,” he encouraged people to take precautions, including keeping bags zipped to prevent theft. He also said people should “look for things that look out of place” to help prevent human trafficking.

“A young girl that could be inappropriately dressed for her age, someone who looks like they’re being led around by an older person, [or] someone who can’t speak for themselves in a conversation,” Jones said. “If it doesn’t look right to you, there’s a good chance that maybe it’s just not right, so find a first responder.”