Golden State Warriors

Oakland police take no chances on security for Warriors parade

ByEric Thomas KGO logo

Friday, June 16, 2017

OPD takes no chances on security for Warriors parade

Oakland police were taking no chances when it came to security at the Warriors NBA championship parade Thursday.

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Oakland police were taking no chances when it came to security at the Warriors NBA championship parade Thursday.

"It's just special for every person in the Bay Area who loves basketball, the culture here, this is what it's all about," Warriors guard Stephen Curry said.

But, for police it was all about keeping the fans safe. Barricades and big trucks blocked intersections so that cars and trucks couldn't just barrel through. Police tactical vehicles were visible as well as cops in boats and on jet skis in Lake Merritt. Vehicles from

Alameda County Sheriff's Department and Hayward Fire Department also patrolled the area.

OPD Chief Ann Kirkpatrick said things were going well from a security stand point. "Very great, I mean excellent. Everybody's in a celebration, they're having a great time. The officers are well prepared and we want them to have a great time with the crowd as well," Kirkpatrick said.

The downside to providing that kind of security is the cost. Salaries for police and firefighters, along with help from outside agencies can ring up a big price tag for a city like Oakland where dollars are tight. That's why it was so nice to have a team like the Warriors in town to pick up the tab.

"We'd just like to say that this parade, this whole day, all the costs, every dollar is on us. It's our gift to the city of Oakland," Warriors owner Joe Lacob said.

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PHOTOS: PHOTOS: 2017 Golden State Warriors victory parade and rally