SAVANNAH--If you're heading downtown, today and through this weekend, you'll notice a heavy police presence.As of 2:30 PM Wednesday, Metro Police have made over 40 arrests. Some of the arrests are for: under-aged drinking, disorderly conduct, and drug possession. Last year, police made nearly 200 arrests during the holiday festivities.
"If you've been down here, you know that there are a lot of us walking around," stated Officer Amy Wilson.
They’re arresting anyone who gets out of hand. Before noon on Wednesday, police had arrested a teenager.
"He was drunk. I think he was 19, and he decided to urinate on the public federal building," stated Wilson.
About a dozen officers are stationed throughout various hotspots downtown--that includes River Street and City Market.
"We go from MLK pretty much all the way to Bull, then from Bryan to Oglethorpe," stated Wilson.
"The traffic unit is out, mounted patrol is out, marine patrol is out, everybody is out,” stated Michael Dobson with Metro Police.
Two helicopters keep a close eye on things from above as well.
"They can see from up there where we can't from down here and is pass it around to us," stated Dobson.
"Our presence is to make sure that it's a family event,” stated Lt. Tommy Tillman with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.
Metro Police isn't the only agency keeping folks safe, so are sheriff deputies.
"We have our K-9 out. I know they were down out at the cathedral before mass this morning," stated Tillman.
Before the parade, the department's two K-9s also checked for explosive devices in trash cans located downtown.
"If someone is going to place a device like that it would be in a trash can, so you want to check that out along the route," stated Tillman.
While the party is still just getting started for many, law enforcement is reminding everyone to keep safety in mind.
"Just behave yourself," stated Wilson.
Along with police and sheriff deputies, the Georgia State Patrol also assisted with Wednesday’s parade route.
