Police precincts across Los Angeles are increasing their patrol numbers and units throughout the weekend in anticipation for the "Straight Outta Compton" film debut.
"We will be increasing our patrols for the weekend," Los Angeles Police Department officer Naoria Vanegas told The Hollywood Reporter. "In recent months, we've seen a lot of violence at movie theaters and it's a concern for Los Angeles," she said, referring to the July 23 Trainwreck shooting in Louisiana and the Aug. 5 Antioch movie theater shooting in Nashville.
"We don't expect anything to happen, but we want to be prepared," Vanegas said. "We know there's a possibility for rival gangs to be at the same time at the same place and that could be a bad recipe."
Vanegas also revealed that some officers will be undercover in some locations, but its up to the station's commanding officer to determine whether the increased units are on foot, in a vehicle or undercover.
LAPD spokesman Jack Richter chimed in, noting the LAPD will definitely increase its presence in and around theaters in the Southwest Division, which includes the Baldwin Hills, Crenshaw, Exposition Park and West Adams neighborhoods, reported The Wrap. He revealed that the Hollywood Division regularly dispatches undercover officers to movies as a preventative measure.
"We can respond with lot of resources," Richter added. "It's all based on what's requested."
Universal Pictures has offered to reimburse U.S. theaters for the costs of extra security for this weekend's debut. A Universal spokesperson revealed that the studio is partnering up with exhibitors who have requested support for their locations but failed to comment on the issue of reimbursement, according to Variety
Universal noted that "Straight Outta Compton" has been seen by thousands of people at hundreds of screenings without incident. "The studio has not solicited enhanced security for theaters who will begin showing it this weekend, but has partnered with those exhibitors who have requested support for their locations," the spokesperson said.
"Straight Outta Compton" hits theaters today.
