Bristol, state police prepare for parade crowd

BRISTOL, R.I. — Law enforcement members are preparing for the throngs that will descend on Bristol for Saturday's Fourth of July events.

According to Col. Steven O'Donnell, who is the superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, the parade is expected to attract about 100,000 people.

The police are on alert this year - more than in past years - following a heightened threat of attack by terror groups around the world, as well as in the U.S.

That means the Bristol Parade, the nation's oldest Independence Day celebration, could attract unwanted attention.{}

But, authorities promise there will be plenty of police, both on detail and undercover, keeping an eye on the festivities.

"Because of the international scene that you hear - ISIS and the social messaging radicalization people on a daily basis - certainly we pay much more attention to that," said O'Donnell. "And again, going back to the arrest that happened in Warwick, it's everywhere. It's incumbent on us to share resources."

Many of the preparations are normal.{} They include a command center, as well as a ban on fireworks.

Federal and state law enforcement will be on hand, though a lot of the safety precautions will be unseen.

"You'll never see them," O'Donnell said. "They are not physically somewhere you're going to see. We have surveillance - not just physical surveillance - we have electronic surveillance. (We are) paying attention to what we do the best we can. We want to make sure people enjoy the Fourth of July."

While fun is encouraged, it's hoped that the spectators will also help in keeping the state safe.

"We would ask that everyone become vigilant, as we always do, and if they see anything suspicious or a package, please report it to a law enforcement official," said Chief Josh Canario of the Bristol Police Department.

The effort and cooperation intended to ensure that the biggest problem for those coming to watch the parade will be the infamous traffic.

"If you're a citizen of this state or a visitor, come out (and) enjoy it," said O'Donnell. "You should because if you don't, somebody else wins."

Police emphasized that there's been no indication at this point that the parade is a target.