LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Ahead of the 151st Kentucky Derby, Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, and his office are working to make sure the week goes off without a hitch and everyone stays safe. 

What You Need To Know

  • Louisville leaders, including Mayor Craig Greenberg (D), discussed how they're keeping the city safe ahead of Derby 151  

  • The mayor's office emphasized staying street smart and being on the lookout for human trafficking

  • Greenberg said he stood by Fest-a-Ville's chaperone policy change, following "multiple disturbances” Sunday by a group of attendees

  • With the potential for wet weather, safety leaders emphasized the use of ponchos, noting umbrellas are among the list of prohibited items at Churchill Downs

“With all these events that happen during the Derby, Fest-a-Ville, leading up to the Kentucky Derby and at the Kentucky Derby, safety is our primary concern,” he said.

The mayor's office emphasized staying street smart and being on the lookout for human trafficking. Groups should also take photos of everyone together in case of any emergency. 

“You never know what could happen, and it’s particularly with children,” said Kelly Jones, Louisville Emergency Management Agency emergency director. “Take a photograph that shows law enforcement agencies what the child looked like, exactly what they were wearing or anyone else in the group who gets separated. Document that for safety reasons.”

Department leaders also detailed handling road closures and what everyone should expect when they head to Churchill Downs and the surrounding area.

“We’re asking the public to play a crucial role,” said Maj. Arnold Rivera of the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Special Ops Division. “If you see something, say something. Stay informed by signing up for the Derby-specific LENSAlert by texting 'DERBY.' And most importantly, help us showcase the best of Louisville, the city known for its hospitality, resilience and spirit.”

Greenberg also addressed public safety outside of Churchill Downs, pointing to Fest-a-Ville’s new chaperone policy that requires anyone under the age of 18 to be accompanied by someone 21 years or older after the Derby Festival said there were “multiple disturbances” created Sunday.

He called the incidents "disappointing."

“I fully support the Kentucky Derby Festival’s change of the rules to require chaperones for the rest of the week,” Greenberg said. “That rule, combined with the amount of security that is in place, will ensure it remains a safe place for families to enjoy, just as they have for years and years and years, and we want that to always be the case.”

With the potential for wet weather, safety leaders emphasized the use of ponchos, noting umbrellas are among the list of prohibited items at Churchill Downs.

“All of our folks are trained in weather response, so if you’re outside when it starts lightning, we will begin to move those people inside our facility," said Dustin Clem, Churchill Downs director of security. "We do have designated weather facilities for all of our areas.”

Leaders said it’s a tall task making sure an event that will field nearly 150,000 people will be safe and secure, but they commended workers and first responders for putting the pieces in place to have a memorable week. 

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