Richmond Police Department is more than doubling the number of officers on the streets for New Year’s Eve. Officers and detectives normally assigned to specialized units like Narcotics, School Resource Officers and Motors will join forces with precinct patrol officers.
These officers and detectives, whose daily assignments usually involve everything from undercover investigations to traffic accidents, will assist precinct officers with the annual increase in calls for service overnight Dec. 31 through Jan. 1.
“Annually we work to have added enforcement on the streets for calls involving DUIs, random gunfire and any disruptive New Year’s Eve revelers,” Major Peggy Horn said. “We’re prepared to expect the unexpected.”
The officers and detectives will be divided among the Department’s four precincts based on the analysis of previous years’ data on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day incidents.
“The majority of calls for New Year’s involve people firing guns in the air, especially at the midnight hour,” Horn said. “For safety’s sake, we want to remind people that reckless handling of firearms endangers everyone. Bottom line: It is illegal to fire a weapon in the city limits.”
Richmond Police reminds citizens that they also have a role in New Year’s Eve safety. Partygoers are asked to have a designated driver or travel by taxi to eliminate having persons driving under the influence. In large party crowds, try to remain aware of your surroundings at all times and travel in pairs or in groups.
“We want everyone to have fun but to also ring in the new year safely,” Horn said.
Contact: Gene Lepley
Richmond Police Department
Phone 804-646-0607
Fax 804-646-3496
http://www.richmondgov.com/police
