SALISBURY, Md-The Salisbury Police Department is preparing for the 78th Annual Folk Festival in a unique way. Instead of looking at a traditional map to evaluate security measures downtown, Salisbury PD is using a giant scale map instead.
The map is located on the floor of the old K-Mart on Route 50. The Salisbury police are using the giant map to determine security strategies.
"Each area is broken down into various beats based off of the size of the stages and what we anticipate being a large draw," Lieutenant Howard Drewer with Salisbury PD said.
Nearly fifty police officers have participated in the simulation so far--the giant scale map is to create an even clearer image of downtown, and crystallize potential entry and exit points for officers if presented with a crisis.
Folk Festival manager Caroline O'Hare says security is a top priority for them, and city officials.
"We have really gone above and beyond. We take security incredibly serious, and we want to make sure that not only does everyone have a fun time, but that they have a safe time."
Organizers have even begun analyzing bad incidents at other large scale events to prepare for the Folk Festival coming to Salisbury.
They say visible security measures for the event will include closing off streets, and adding barriers--while others may go unnoticed. Organizers say undercover police staff will also be present throughout thefestival to increase security.
