Security Heightened Ahead Of Sacramento Stage Of Amgen Tour Of California

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The Amgen Tour of California's Sacramento stage this weekend is prompting new security measures following the Boston Marathon bombings one year ago.

It's a sports spectacle that hasn't been on Sacramento's stage in three years. Promoted as an international event, Amgen's Tour of California will race down Marti Smith's Midtown street.

As a new precaution, Sacramento Police will be issuing a reverse-911 call to Smith and her neighbors leading up to the race that will alert them of traffic issues and asking them to stay alert.

It's one small change in outreach a year after the Boston Marathon bombings.

"We're making sure that in the area of the race course, here in the city, is aware what's going on," said officer Doug Morse. "We're hoping that the public can be our eyes and ears."

Sacramento Police have spent seven months preparing for security, working with race organizers like Michael Roth.

"Having the benefits of reports from numerous security agencies and organizations that have studied the Boston situation, we've continued to update our security procedures for the Amgen Tour of California," he said.

One lesson from a Department of Homeland Security report issued last month shows it may be better for first responders to a mass casualty event to treat victims before the scene is safe and secure.