SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Police Department is stepping up patrols near LGBT communities following the mass shooting at an Orlando, Florida, nightclub.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus met Sunday with business owners on Main Street to talk about security.
McManus said there will be an increased police presence on Main Street and SAPD will enforce a new plan that includes keeping an eye outside and inside local clubs and businesses.
He said officers will be watching out for people who walk into a club or business with a backpack. McManus also urged employees to be aware of their surroundings and take notice of any unusual, suspicious behavior.
"We have a very strong, ongoing relationship, SAPD and the clubs out here," McManus said. "So this is not some type of emergency meeting. It's a meeting to touch base and clear things up as to what we are going to do in a coordinated way."
Randy Cunniff, owner of Luther's, Sparky's, Heat and Knockout on Main, said parking areas are well lit to keep their patrons safe. Cunniff said he is going to make sure employees are keeping a watchful eye as well.
"It hits home," Cunniff said of the mass shooting. "A lot of times, on a Saturday night, at 2 o'clock in the morning, when that happened, we had 1,500 people here at that time. There's another club, not mine, that has another 300. It's a busy area, but we've always felt secure here, comfortable and safe."