LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – Festival International de Louisiana is just days away and local law enforcement looks to be out in full force to protect everyone there.
“Zero tolerance. We won’t tolerate it especially in that atmosphere, if there is anything that we perceive to be a threat to anyone’s safety out there, we’re going to deal with that right away,” said Karl Ratcliff, Public Information Officer with the Lafayette Police Department.
As crews downtown get organized for the Festival, police and festival organizers say they’re making security a top priority.
“We work in conjunction with the Lafayette Police Department and LCG to make sure that all of our patrons have a really good time and feel comfortable around the festival grounds,” said Brad Cradeur, V.P. of Marketing for Festival International.
In addition to security cameras being put downtown in several locations, festival organizers say they have a flow chart ready to ease congestion at the festival. They will also shut down the main stages a bit earlier some days, to ensure a safe festival.
“What I can tell you is you’re going to see more officers and more uniforms down there than what you don’t see. We’re going to have more folks monitoring and have some more intel in place there as well,” said Ratcliff.
Meanwhile at Ink Gallery located in downtown, they are ready for the influx of customers that comes with the festival, and say they are relieved that the police department will be ready for anything.
“I think having a strong police force during Festival would definitely make me feel more confident about being able to take care of my customers,” said Paul Roberts, a tattoo artist at Ink Gallery.
“Anyone that’s out there to disrupt a good time or to harm anybody, it’s something that we can’t afford to allow. So if you’re going out there with any kind of intentions like that, just go ahead and stay home or find somewhere else to go,” said Ratcliff.
The police department is also warning against drinking and driving, as there will be shuttles to and from Festival from Cajun Field.
If you see anything suspicious, you’re urged to call 9-1-1.
