MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW)- Carolina Country Music Fest is just a few days away, and with 30,000 people expected to come to Myrtle Beach, police have stepped up their security.
Multiple agencies including Horry County Police and SLED will help keep an eye on the crowd.
“The safety record has been great for previous events and we want to keep it great. That’s why each and every year we have an after action review to determine what we can improve for next year, said Captain Joey Crosby.
This year when you walk into Carolina Country Music Fest, you’ll have to go through a metal detector.
Before you get to the gate you need to make sure you have the right bag. This year CCMF will require people use clear bags no larger than 12″ by 6″ by 12. The only exception is a small clutch roughly the size of your hand. If you don’t have one CCMF will offer them to buy in parking lots and at the entrance for $10.
“We do expect to have a little learning curve there, but we made some adjustments and have them readily available for sale,” said CCMF organizer Bob Durkin.
Another addition this year is a flag system to help make it easier for officers or EMS to find someone who needs help.
“If they tell me I’m by the red flag by the Bojangles tent then I know exactly in close proximity to where they’re at then a broader area and that allows us to respond quicker,” said Captain Crosby.
After the Las Vegas shooting where a gunman opened fire in a crowd of concert goers killing 58 people, Myrtle Beach police are talking to nearby businesses about people on their rooftops.
“We do have a tactical element included in our operational plan and to be specific about that element we do not want to compromise that security plan, but we have taken into consideration things that have happened across the country to make sure we address those needs,” said Captain Crosby.
If you have a conceal carry permit you can not bring a gun inside the festival. Police and music fest organizers urge people if you see something say something. If you do, you can call this number 843-918-INFO and it will go straight to the police command post.