NYPD details security plans for this weekend's Gay Pride March

NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City police will be on high alert for this weekend's NYC LGBT Pride March following the deadly mass shooting in Orlando.

NYPD and city officials detailed security plans Thursday, with the festivities expected to draw many more people than usual in the aftermath of the Orlando massacre.

"We will, out of caution, be increasing the size of the police detail this year with some degree of focus that we might not have had in years past on the issue of terrorism," said NYPD Commissioner William Bratton.

That will bring out record numbers of NYPD officers to work the festive Pride March, which itself has grown in size in recent years.

This year's parade is expected to draw about 1.6 million spectators and 20,000 participants. The parade will feature more than 80 floats.

There will be uniformed officers along the parade route for crowd management and control, and many other plainclothes officers mixing with the crowds.

"We have greatly increased our counterterrorism efforts to act as a visible deterrent as well as a quick response capability," said Chief of Patrol Carlos Gomez. "We have added more CERT (Community Emergency Response) teams."

The march, largely down Fifth Avenue, is the hallmark event of the LGBT pride season. Through the years, crowds have grown in size and this year organizers are expecting more because of support for victims of the Orlando massacre.

Barbara Poma, owner of Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, and Neema Bahrami, the club's manager, will be riding on the lead float, march organizers announced Thursday.

"The important thing is that we remember those 49 people we lost last weekend and so many other lives that we've lost and we don't hide," said NYC Pride co-chairperson David Studinski.

NYPD security, which has already been heightened in the wake of the Orlando tragedy, including critical response teams and special canine units, will also continue during the NYC Pride weekend events.

"Whether it's New Yorkers, or folks coming from anywhere in the world to be a part of this powerful moment, you will be safe, you will be protected," said Mayor de Blasio.

City officials also emphasize that while there are no specific threats directed against this march, it is important for everyone to be vigilant.

Police will also use radiation detection devices along and around the route.

"We will deploy explosive detection canines and utilize a network of cameras to monitor the events," said Gomez.

The NYPD has great experience with security, and Mayor Bill de Blasio is encouraging people to come out to the march.

"You will see a lot of the same protections that have been in place at every pride parade, but you will see more as well," said the mayor.

The NYPD will also have one of its vehicles in the parade, along with members of the Gay Officers Action League marching.

"In a diverse city, that car makes one statement right now..progress," said Officer Brian Downey, G.O.A.L. President.