Behind the magic of every Twelfth Night promenade, chicken run and Mardi Gras parade is at least a year’s worth of planning and meetings, sometimes more. It’s not only krewes who meet regularly and ramp up the number of meetings and people involved as parade season closes in. It is also a core group of representatives from Lake Charles Police, the city of Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Ward 3 Marshals Office, according to Lake Charles Police Chief Shawn Caldwell.

He’s been a part of the force for 30 years, and during that time, Mardi Gras events have grown in size and number.

In fact, the Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras celebration is the second-largest in the state based on the number of krewes participating.

As Mardi Gras here has evolved, so has the way law enforcement works its many events, including the parades.

For some years now, agencies have been tracking and reviewing what happens in other areas of the state and country, and they have been actively reviewing the New Orleans New Year’s Day attack as information unfolds.

“This was an absolute tragedy,” said Chief Caldwell. The victims, the families and everyone involved in responding to and investigating this incident remain in the forefront of our minds.”

In addition to ongoing, routine training to address suspicious activity, the Sheriff’s Office participates in riot and crowd control training hosted by Homeland Security, according to Sheriff Stitch Guillory.

“In light of the recent incident, the sheriff’s office, along with other law enforcement agencies, are reviewing certain information during our meetings to adapt our operations accordingly,” Guillory said.

The sheriff said he normally does not discuss specifics that might give the bad guys an upper hand, but he would say that the public can expect “a large presence of law enforcement.” Some will be in plain clothes. Some in uniforms. Some will use advanced law enforcement tools and resources. K9s will also be working along the parade route.

“We’ll be using any and all assets we have available to facilitate route safety,” the chief added.

“Those looking to enjoy Mardi Gras in Lake Charles can rest assured that all of their local law enforcement agencies are working together, seamlessly, to do everything in our power to provide the safe, family-friendly experience that Lake Charles is known for,” said Marshal Nate Keller, Ward 3. His deputies will be among those posted and moving along the parade routes.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter and his family look forward to the Mardi Gras festivities each year. This year is no different.

“I have full faith and confidence in our local law enforcement agencies, the mayor said. “These law enforcement officials, along with city staff and individual parade organizers, dedicate themselves to working collectively to make Mardi Gras in Lake Charles a positive, family-friendly experience.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: See Tuesday’s paper for more details about how to stay safe year-round. Report non-emergency tips anonymously. Plan for parade viewing/traffic impact. Avoid arrest. Parade Do’s and Don’ts.