City Leaders Outline NBA Finals Safety Plans

A public safety press conference was held Tuesday outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

INDIANAPOLIS — Leaders are laying out their safety plans as the NBA Finals return to Indianapolis for the first time in more than 20 years.

“We’ve adjusted our staffing to increase our presence with more patrols, both visible and behind the scenes,” said IMPD Chief Chris Bailey. “Neighborhoods will be protected. No one in our city will go without protection, despite the festivities happening in Downtown Indianapolis.”

State Police said their primary focus will be enforcing basic traffic safety laws, but they will remain on standby with specialized resources, such as their helicopter, in case IMPD requires assistance. IMPD is the lead agency and is responsible for overall security during the NBA Finals.

“Whatever IMPD needs we’re going to provide that,”Captain Ronald Galaviz,Chief Public Information Officer. “You’re going to notice a lot of Indy Metro officers, but state police will also have a small footprint.”

A public safety press conference was held Tuesday outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, featuring Mel Raines from Pacers Sports & Entertainment, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey, IFD Chief Ernest Malone, ISP Captain Ron Galaviz, MESA Director Jacob Spence, and IEMS Chief Andrew Bowes.

They spoke ahead of Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals, which will be held in Indianapolis starting Wednesday at 8:30 p.m

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