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Boston police brace for Kennedy funeral, Caribbean Festival, and more on Saturday

E-mail|Link August 27, 2009 12:34 PM

By Maria Cramer, Globe Staff

Boston police will be out in full force Saturday as they try to provide security on a day that will include not just Senator Edward Kennedy’s funeral, but the annual Caribbean Festival, move-in day for returning college students, and an evening Red Sox game.

Between 1,000 and 2,000 officers are expected to be on city streets Saturday, but police are scrambling to find more patrols from outside the city to help. That could be more difficult than usual, with many outside departments sending officers to the funeral of Weymouth patrolman Michael Davey, who was fatally struck by a vehicle while directing traffic on Monday.

Boston police commanders will meet this afternoon to discuss final plans for security, said Elaine Driscoll, spokeswoman for the department. Police are coordinating with Secret Service, State Police, and transit police for the events surrounding the funeral.

Boston's Uniform Command Center, which receives live video feeds from cameras showing activity around the city, will be up and running by 6 a.m. on Saturday. Superintendent Daniel Linskey will command officers on the ground, Driscoll said.

"The Boston Police Department is working very closely with our law enforcement partners to determine a thorough and comprehensive safety plan for the activity that is occurring around the city that day," Driscoll said. "We are confident that we will be able to execute a strategic plan that will ensure safety across the city."