With nearly 200,000 people expected to stream into Downtown for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach this weekend, the city may be hosting the largest spectator event in the country since Monday’s tragic bombing at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. 

In response to questions about safety at the nearly 40 year-old weekend of car races, Police Chief Jim McDonnell and Mayor Bob Foster said that the city will be taking “all appropriate measures to protect the public’s security for the Grand Prix.”

Holding a succinct press conference yesterday, Foster noted the “senseless violence” of the tragedy at the Boston Marathon this past Monday but wanted to make certain that people understood that there is little cause for worry.

“There are neither specific nor credible threats to this week’s activities. And I want that to be very clear,” he said. 

{loadposition latestnews}Foster went on to point out three things which the City and Long Beach Police Department ask of all visitors: be courteous to those around you, including fellow fans as well as officials; report concerns or suspicious activity; and to enjoy one’s self while celebrating the Grand Prix.

McDonnell noted that the department has been working closely with anti-terrorist units and other authorities to ensure that the Grand Prix will be safely monitored. Though there will be a high visible presence, there will be also be a large unseen presence that will not be visible to the general public.

Echoing Foster’s sentiments, McDonnell emphasized the department’s “see something, say something” policy that it uses with residents and says that it will be reinforced this weekend in the hopes of getting attendees to report suspicious behavior.

When asked how or if the LBPD will be specifically amping up security, McDonnell responded that the department is still “weighing the options,” and was unable to provide specifics, including the amount of officers that will be deployed.

“Long Beach is used to hosting large events,” said Foster, “…and we will again have a strong, multi-faceted security plan in place to deliver the best experience to our visitors.”

{FG_GEOMAP [33.76453000000001,-118.191779] FG_GEOMAP}