Date festival security talk how they’re ensuring the safety of fairgoers

Riverside County Fair and Date Festival security officials are ensuring that fairgoers are safe, one day after four people were stabbed at the festival.

Sunday night 3 men and a minor were stabbed at the fairgrounds. the victims were all hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, officials from the sheriff’s department say the stabbings appear to be an isolated incident – and no other festival goers were hurt.

According to festival security officials, this was the first violent act that happened during the fair in a decade.

One day after the incident, security officials are working to assure that the safety of fairgoers is paramount.

“We have more officers per patron than anywhere else in Southern California right now,” said Ron Dyre, Riverside County Fair Director.

Deputies with the Sheriff’s Department have been seen patrolling all over the area on foot and bicycles, with medical aid ready to be deployed at a moments notice. Everyone must pass through metal detectors and have their bags searched

“If it alludes to any metal objects then we do a hand wand we do not let them in until we are satisfied as to what the item is,” said Dyre.

Even when the lines get very long, security remains tight, with the exception of small children or elderly, who still might get a quick check.