Local law enforcement: Expect increased police presence on Savannah St. Patrick's Day
During a press conference at City Hall on Thursday, city officials announced that attendees of the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade on Friday would see an increased police presence.
Several law enforcement agencies, including the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, Chatham County Police Department and Georgia State Patrol, will be assisting the Savannah Police Department (SPD) during the 199th Savannah St. Patrick's Day celebration. There will be an influx of officers in the city, said SPD Sergeant Jason Pagliaro, all of whom will be wearing police uniforms. All precincts throughout the city will be fully staffed by SPD, in addition to the officers from other law enforcement agencies.
In an emergency situation, Pagliaro said, “grab whoever you see, and let them know, so they can get in touch with dispatch and then we can make sure you get the assistance you need.”
Officers will be on the lookout for drunken driving, and Pagliaro strongly recommended partiers find a designated driver, or use ride-sharing apps, such as Uber or Lyft.
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The American Auto Club Association (AAA) is also providing a free ride service from 6 p.m. through 6 a.m. from Thursday through Monday, through their “Tow to Go” program. The ride is limited to one person and their vehicle. AAA can take the person and their vehicle to locations within a 10-mile radius. Designed as a safety net for those that did not plan ahead, Tow to Go appointments cannot be scheduled in advance.
Pagliaro listed a list of public safety no-no’s for the parade. Partiers will be allowed one to-go cup. Coolers aren’t allowed except during the parade, but no Styrofoam coolers. No unruly or exotic animals, such as snakes and lizards. No fireworks, no skateboards, no bicycles, except for south of Broughton Street. No jaywalking.
“If you're driving downtown, please be aware that people are in the area much more than they normally are. Some of them are going to be inebriated,” said Pagliaro. “They don't make the best decisions when they are.”
Partiers will have more freedom in the city-designated control area, which extends from the downtown area to River Street.
“We want everybody to come down and want them to have fun. But let's do it responsibly. Let's do it safely,” said Pagliaro.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: 2023 Savannah St. Patrick's Day: Increased police expected in parade
