HOUSTON – The Houston Police Department has roughly doubled the number of officers who will be making sure people stay safe at the daytime gay pride festival in downtown, the officer in charge of daytime security tells KPRC Channel 2.
Pride Parade-goers can expect to see police officers stationed all along the parade route as well. In some cases, officers will be every half block.
“After the Orlando incident, everyone has really come together to make it safe,” said Houston police Officer Ann Waltman, who is coordinating safety at the daytime festival. “We want the community to know that the police department has stepped up to try and make it safe and a fun time for everyone."
Street crews started closing some downtown streets at 7 p.m. Friday.
The parade will take place Saturday evening at 8:30 p.m. Events in the parks in front of City Hall will take place during the day Saturday.
There will be a special kids' area across from City Hall.
More than 500,000 people are expected to attend the parade, which is one of the biggest parades in Houston.
Have a tip about this story or another story idea? Email investigative reporter Jace Larson at jlarson@kprc.com or 832-493-3951.