BOSTON — Massachusetts police are beefing up security for Boston's Fourth of July celebration, the first major public gathering since the Boston Marathon bombings.
Police are encouraging the public to attend the traditional music and fireworks show on the Charles River Esplanade, and say people shouldn't have safety concerns.
State Police Col. Timothy Alben says more video camera surveillance and more uniformed and undercover officers will be in place. Authorities will do bag searches and activate a text-a-tip line so people can pass on information about anything suspicious.
Backpacks are among the items authorities will prohibit along the Esplanade. Items also will be restricted after 4 p.m. in the Hatch Memorial Shell area, where the Boston Pops and others perform.
The April 15 bombings killed three people and injured more than 260.
