Police have been keeping an eye on internet chatter among the various protest groups. The Occupy movement has promised what it calls two guerrilla operations at Gasworks Park on July 4th.
They claim they will be - safe and “ kid friendly,” but no one can say for sure what will happen.
You can expect bag checks and other counter measures to keep dangerous items away from the thousands gathered to watch the fireworks.
“We have special operations to accommodate and deal with the festivities, and as well as the need to have more presence.
While there are no specific, credible terror threats, some protest groups, like the Occupy movement, are calling on members to use Independence Day to send a message, though there are no details.
Police say none of this should keep people from coming to Gasworks Park.
In a statement to KING 5 NEWS late Tuesday, the show's producers issued this statement: "The Family 4th at Lake Union is a Seattle tradition that brings our community together. With decades of experience planning special events of this size, public safety is always our number-one concern. We are prepared for all contingencies, and look forward to tomorrow's celebration. - Jon Stone, Executive Director, One Reel"
But it is away from the large events where police are worried. For the first time ever, desk officers will be sent onto the streets to fight what they call the "summer surge."
“July 4th onward represents a particularly busy time for the department,” said Deputy Chief Clark Kimerer.
These precinct clerks will be able to handle routine calls - following the rash of violence - SPD wants to make sure the anti-violence teams aren't bogged down with routine calls.
“This is our safety net by moving a small number really of officers back into patrol during these summer months to ensure that we can have required and adequate staffing on the street,” said Kimerer.
KING 5's Jim Forman and Susan Wyatt contributed to this report.
