Rose Parade, Rose Bowl Security Costs Increasing

The city of Pasadena is prepared to spend up to $1.5 million—a 37 percent increase— for the Jan. 1 event as part of a new Pasadena Police Department plan to increase security in response to unspecified “global threats.”

• By Jessica Davis
• Nov 15, 2018

It’s becoming more expensive to ensure the safety and security of the hundreds of thousands of Rose Parade and Rose Bowl attendees.

The events, which take place on New Year’s Day, require more of a police presence than the Pasadena Police Department can provide, so for a long time, the city has contracted with the Los Angeles County Police Department to bring additional deputies. The added law enforcement cost $1.09 million for the 2018 parade, an increase from the 2017 parade.

The city of Pasadena is prepared to spend up to $1.5 million—a 37 percent increase— for the Jan. 1 event as part of a new Pasadena Police Department plan to increase security in response to unspecified “global threats.”

The City Council approved the $1.5 million cap on Monday, but interim police Chief John Perez does not expect the city to spend the entire amount allocated. He said the increased spending ceiling will allow the event to meet public safety needs.

“The increase … is necessary due to the potential for LASD to increase the hourly rates for personnel,” Perez said in a report. “The increase also includes additional hours for increased staffing at New Year’s activities based on threat assessments. The possibility of adding personnel to ensure a safe event may occur shortly before events begin, allowing minimal time for review and approval by City Council.”

According to Perez, security costs increased last year because the parade route was closed to traffic the night before the event, which led to higher traffic control and staffing costs.

Tournament of Roses Association CEO David Eads said public safety is a top priority for those who organize the parade and football game, which take place annually.

“Providing a secure environment for large-scale events is a complex process that requires the involvement and cooperation of many individuals and organizations,” Eads said. “Pasadena has hosted large-scale events for many years, including the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game, and has extensive experience preparing for the New Year’s celebrations.”