RPD ready for huge crowds at St. Patrick's Day Parade
Posted at: 03/14/2013 5:04 PM
| Updated at: 03/14/2013 5:12 PM
By: Joangel Concepcion | WHEC.com
|
|
|
 |
Print Story |
The St. Patrick's Day parade is expected to draw huge crowds and Rochester Police say they are more than ready for the big day, but so are the businesses on East Ave.
When it comes to celebrating St. Patrick's Day, everyone knows Rochester does it big. But with all those big parties, come the big crowds.
Chief James Sheppard, Rochester Police, said, “Big party weekends are big party events. We've handled them in the past and we will handle them now.”
Chief Sheppard tells us they are confident and prepared for the festivities, even working overtime to ensure the crowd's safety.
Chief Sheppard said, “Every time we do an event we learn from our experience. We take the things that work for us and we make the adjustments.”
Chief Sheppard says during last year's parade, officers made 18 arrests. A majority were for disorderly conduct and harassment. This year, they plan to add on 60 extra officers. Many of them will be on duty during the parade and after for bar control. Also, they will be working closely with bars and their security teams.
As police prep for the big day, so are businesses in the east end.
Kevin Roman is the manager at the Old Toad. He says the biggest challenges they face are looking out for underage drinkers and knowing when party goers have had enough. It's something the bar takes very seriously.
Kevin Roman, manager, Old Toad, said, “It jeopardizes your establishment for one and you want to be as vigorous as possible to make sure every thing is taken to that proper measure.”
Roman plans to hire extra security who are certified through the state to check ID's. All of the bartenders have also been trained by the state to watch their pour. Its all in an effort to control the chaos.
Roman said, “Everyone always wants to make sure that nothing out of the ordinary happens but I’m pretty confident in our staff that we can handle the situations properly.”
Chief Sheppard said, “We want people to come downtown and have a good time. If you're going to drink, don't drink and drive. If you do, we're going to stop you and write those tickets.”
Police will be out in full force this weekend, looking for drunk drivers. They will be working with New York State Police and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. Last year, they made 13 DWI arrests and they hope that number will be much less this time around.
For more on the parade, including the parade route, parking, events and schedule, click here.
Have a story you want our news team to investigate? Call us at 585-232-1010, click here to send us an e-mail or leave us a Facebook post or tweet.