SUMMARY:
The following memo is a summary of the involvement and associated costs of the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) and San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) undertake during the Fiesta celebration.
BACKGROUND:
The SAPD and SAFD partner with a wide variety of groups and agencies to contribute to a safe and incident free Fiesta celebration each year. Some of these agencies Federal, State, and Local partners include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Texas Departments of Public Safety and Transportation, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, the Bexar County Adult and Juvenile Probation Offices, VIA, UTSA Police Departments, and a wide variety of City Departments including Park Police, Public Works, Metro Health and others.
In terms of security, the SAPD continues to be the lead law enforcement agency designated to secure the following venues and activities: the Carnival, Fiesta De Los Reyes (Market Square), A Night In Old San Antonio (NIOSA), the River Parade, the Battle of Flowers Parade, the Flambeau Parade, Battle of the Bands and multiple activities in Alamo Plaza.
SAPD additionally provides traffic control services in association with the Fiesta Fiesta (opening ceremony), Oyster Bake, Taste of New Orleans, Earth Day Run and the Mission Run. Lastly, SAPD also provided peripheral support (security and/or traffic control) outside the Tejano Explosion and Siesta Fest venues.
In addition to event security, SAPD makes a strong effort to prevent alcohol related fatalities during the Fiesta celebration. In collaboration with local agencies, such as the Bexar County Sherrif's Office, DWI enforcement becomes priority during Fiesta. The following list outlines a number of DWI enforcement and prevention initiatives SAPD and its partners are undertaking:
· Team DWI provided refresher training for bar owners and employees about how to avoid over-serving
· April 6, 2104, Roll-Call at the Alamo
· Additional STEP Grant work (DWI enforcement) in and around downtown during Fiesta
· Traffic Section's DWI Unit will work expanded hours to provide additional coverage (Thu-Sun)
· BCSO is expanding the hours of DWI coverage during Fiesta
· SAPD Patrol Divisions to provide "directed patrol" for DWI and seatbelt violations
· TXDOT billboards discouraging "hung-over" driving
· TV PSA's warning against drunk driving
In 2013, SAPD spent a total of $1,513,426 on overtime for Fiesta related events. For 2014, the Department has budget a total of $1,534,065 for Fiesta.
The San Antonio Fire Department also participates in various Fiesta events. These events include Market Square, Carnival, and each of the major parades downtown. Each year during Fiesta, the Fire Department adds additional resources in preparation for potential large-scale incidents and routine event-related medical emergencies. To minimize impact on daily operations, these resources are staffed by uniformed firefighters on overtime. The total cost for the SAFD in 2013 was $93,434. Its anticipated that the department will spend in 2014 approximately $90,000 on this year's Fiesta activities.
CONCLUSION:
The SAPD and SAFD begin planning for Fiesta each year shortly after the previous year's celebration has ended. These two Departments and their partners provide a high level of security and public safety service for an event that occurs over several weeks and a wide variety of locations. They have a proven track record and remain committed to continued high levels of service for those participating in Fiesta events.