Police To Step Up Presence For 'Straight Outta Compton' Debut

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Police in South Los Angeles and across the city will be stepping up their presence at local movie theaters ahead of this weekend's debut of "Straight Outta Compton".

Universal Pictures is reportedly offering to reimburse theaters for the costs of extra security as the studio partners with some exhibitors who have requested support for their locations.

"Straight Outta Compton", the highly-anticipated biopic about gangsta rap pioneers N.W.A., has received mostly positive reviews and has been bolstered by a marketing campaign that included Dre's first new album in 15 years, titled "Compton."

But as LAPD Commander Andrew Smith told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO, police aren't taking any chances with security.

"I think if people come to the theaters this weekend, they'll probably see extra police officers in and out of the theaters and even some undercover officers at various theaters as well," Smith said.

While police across the city are already on extra patrols due to recent violence at movie theaters across the country, Smith said LAPD South Bureau will be specifically deploying more officers at local theaters throughout the weekend.

"Our concern is that rival gangs might come to the same theater at the same time, and that's always a recipe for bad news," he said.

There was no specific threat against any local theaters, Smith added.

Security was beefed up at the movie's premiere at the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles Monday night, including members of the LAPD gang unit on the red carpet and mandatory metal detector screening for every celebrity and attendee.