Police Will Join Ultra Festival’s Crowds With Undercover Officers

The Ultra Miami season is here, which means that thousands of electronic music fans will descend on Bayfront Park this weekend. But the expected turnover of 170,000 people won’t be festival-goers only. During a news conference, Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales said undercover officers would be present among Ultra Festival’s crowds. 

Since this isn’t Ultra’s first rodeo at Bayfront Park, Miami’s police feel like it’s a turf they know well. Like in previous years, the authorities will amp up their presence with swarms of law enforcement scattered throughout the festival’s surroundings. 

To ensure attendees’ safety, Miami police will work with law enforcement agencies to patrol the crowds. 

Talking about Ultra’s 2022 edition, Morales said drug incidents were the main issue with attendees trying to sell ecstasy or edibles. Apart from drug use, phone thefts have become problematic in recent years. Morales said about 100 phones were stolen or lost during the three-day event in 2022. 

“I just want to remind our attendees that are going to Ultra to be mindful of their phones, I know everybody likes to live stream and be on social platforms, I just want you to enjoy it but make sure you keep your phones in your front pocket.”

Last year, the police made only 18 arrests at Ultra Festival, most drug-related. 

The high-tech Ultra Miami Festival will kick off its three-day run today with headliners like Carl Cox, Afrojack, Alesso, and Armin Van Burren. Organizers said the music event will have a $200 million economic impact on the area.