State Fair security will make it "one of the safest places to be in Dallas"

DALLAS, Texas - With the start of the State Fair of Texas just days away, security is a top priority for organizers.

Local police don't have any reason to believe something will happen but say they're prepared for the worst case scenario.

The Texas-sized tradition is expected to that brings thousands of people to Fair Park for fun and games when the gates open on Friday.

The crowds can be challenging to maneuver and difficult to patrol. And that's what folks will find both on DART trains and at busy DART platforms like Downtown and Fair Park.

"You want to keep things in perspective, but you want to be prepared for all events,” said Deputy Chief Ed Addison with DART Police.

Part of the preparation includes putting a DART Police supervisor in the Dallas Police Department command post. It's the first time it’s being done, with the goal of quicker communication between the two departments in case of an emergency.

"You look at all aspects of security,” said Deputy Chief William Humphrey with Dallas Police. “And we've certainly covered every piece -- from arriving to the State Fair, the traffic, getting into the State Fair and the inside of the fair while you're here enjoying your time."

Humphrey says uniformed and plain-clothed officers will be spread out throughout the fair. He won't say how many but said it'll be "one of the safest places to be in Dallas."

Also keeping an eye on the action will be Steve Ledbetter, the gatekeeper. Most people don't know he's a retired Dallas police officer and so are all of the people in his department. Ledbetter wants Texans to know open carry will not be allowed admission to the park.

"We will, at that point, let them know to conceal and come into the fair or go back to the car and put it up,” he explained.

Ledbetter says children and rides are some of the reasons why open carry is not allowed at the fair.

But with all the talk about security, it's easy to forget the State Fair is about having fun. While enjoying the rides and the food, police encourage you to walk up to them and say hello.

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