NYPD Takes Steps to Make J'Ouvert Celebration Safer

Police Commissioner Bill Bratton and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams announced new measures to help make the early morning celebration known as J'Ouvert safer.

This will be the first year that J'Ouvert, which is part of the build-up to the West Indian Day Parade, will have a permit. The event did not have one last year, when Cuomo aide Carey Gabay was shot and killed during the celebration.

The New York Police Department will also increase the number of uniformed officers patrolling the event. 

"We plan on doubling the number of officers assigned to the J'Ouvert celebration," Chief James O'Neill said. "We will also be using 200 light towers, compared to only forty from last year."

Adams announced a community outreach program to supplement the NYPD. Using "interveners" from local churches and community organizations, he hopes to deter potential criminals from committing any wrongdoing.

"We need to work together -- public and the police department -- to create a safe environment," Adams said. "It can't just be one side."

Adams is also encouraging those who live near the celebration to leave their porch lights on for the night.