Law enforcement take steps to ensure public safety during Belmont Stakes

The excitement is palpable in Saratoga Springs as we are just hours away from the Belmont Stakes race at the Saratoga Race Course.

And law enforcement is ready for the tens of thousands of spectators and visitors descending on the Spa City.

The festivities have been going on for days as part of a nearly week long festival.

So Saratoga Springs Police have partnered with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies for personnel and resource support.

There is an increased police presence downtown and at the track to deter any potential issues and respond to any that may arise.

Officials say anyone coming to town should be prepared for traffic congestion and delays.

“The residents here in Saratoga are pretty familiar with the hustle and bustle of the track season and they know a lot of alternate routes to get around the city quickly, but for visitors we do urge you to be patient – especially on the Belmont on Broadway day,” said City of Saratoga Springs Police Chief Tyler McIntosh.

Chief McIntosh says his department has partnered with the FBI’s crisis management unit to run through different scenarios to identify how they would respond to a large-scale incident should anything happen.