Heightened security for Obama’s visit shouldn’t impact local police response
President Obama will be landing for a sixth time in the Coachella Valley on Friday around noon.
The Palm Springs Police Department and Riverside Country Sheriff’s Department are planning on having extra staff on hand for the next few days.
“Just as in any event that we have here, we work the event and make sure everything goes safely, and we add personnel as needed, and we will be doing that this weekend,” said Lt. Mike Kovaleff with PSPD.
“The Riverside County Sheriffs Department is prepared for the President’s visit and any protesters who may or may not be present during the summit. This event will not impact our staffing levels or service we provide to the communities we serve,” said Deputy Armando Munoz with RCSD.
If you plan of watching Air Force One land at the Palm Springs International Airport or watch the Presidential Motorcade pass by the Palm Springs Police Department wants you to be careful.
“Stay out of the roadway, make sure that you follow all the rules of the road, don’t step back into the roadway to get that picture, and just be safe and follow any instructions from law enforcement personnel,” said Kovaleff.
KESQ tried to ask the Riverside County Supervisor’s Office how much money the county will be spending on overtime for police officers and deputies over then next four days, but the office never got back to us.
Some roads are already closed and police departments are gearing up for the four days the President will be in town hosting the ASEAN Summit with leaders of southeast Asian countries.
The following roads will be closed in Palm Springs to vehicles and pedestrians:
Kirk Douglas Way, between Ramon Road and El Cielo Road, beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday through 4 p.m. Tuesday
Airport Center Drive at Kirk Douglas Way, beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday through 4 p.m. Tuesday
You can still access the Palm Springs International Airport by using the main entrance at Tahquitz Canyon Way and El Cielo Road.
Rancho Mirage Road Closures from February 14 at 10AM – February 16 at 3PM:
Gerald Ford Drive at the intersection with Bob Hope Drive
Bob Hope Drive at the intersection with Frank Sinatra Drive
Frank Sinatra Drive from Morningside Drive to Bob Hope Drive
Drivers are asked to avoid these intersections and take alternate routes during this time period due to potential traffic congestion and delays.
Stay with KESQ for complete coverage of the Summit at Sunnylands.
