Police focusing on security at Coachella Fest

With hundreds of thousands people expected to come to Indio this year for Coachella, police officers say they’ve been planning for this event for the past six months.

After some world events this past year, safety officers say security is at the top of the set list for them.

“We keep the security at a level we believe that is consistent with world and local happenings,” Sgt. Dan Marshall with Indio Police said. “We have many partners outside the valley that give us input and feedback as to things going on, not just in the local area, but the nation and the world.”

Other than performing routine car checks to look for prohibited items like knives and drones, Marshall said security officers say they’ll be using social media to report any suspicious activity to visitors.

“It’s our job, and it’s our duty to provide a safe area for these people to enjoy the concert,” Marshall said.

Visitors say they commend police for taking the time to make sure the event is fun and safe.

“We’re just here to have a good time,” Saint Galway from Gardena, California said. “We’re just hoping that everyone is on the same level as us. We just came here to party and have a good time. We’re not here to get in trouble or anything.”

Marshall said security officers will be using an app called Nixle. Visitors can text the phrase “Coachella” to 888777.

Riverside County sheriff’s deputies say they will also be providing traffic control, general security and extra patrol for off-site shuttle stops at the local hotels throughout the city of Indian Wells.

For a Coachella survival guide, click here.