Chicago Police to Deploy 1,300 Additional Officers on New Year’s Eve

A file photo shows a crime scene blocked off by the Chicago Police Department. (WTTW News)A file photo shows a crime scene blocked off by the Chicago Police Department. (WTTW News)

More than 1,000 additional Chicago police officers will be deployed on New Year’s Eve as revelers plan for celebrations throughout the city.

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown on Friday said 1,300 officers will be sent into neighborhoods and high-traffic areas like Navy Pier, where a fireworks show will ring in the new year Saturday night.

“We’re ready for New Year’s Eve,” Brown said, “and all the celebrations taking place across the city.”

Those officers will be seen in neighborhoods, the city’s retail corridor, entertainment districts and in Millennium Park. Brown said his department is also working with the CTA to boost the security presence along transit lines.

“Officers will be doing everything they can to keep everyone safe, but we need our residents and visitors to do everything they can as well to celebrate responsibly,” he said.

According to Brown, city officials worked with businesses and hotels to put together a comprehensive safety plan for this weekend.

Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Commissioner Kenneth Meyer said his department has warned businesses that if they have lines of people outside, they are responsible for the behavior of those patrons.

Meyer said the city will also be inspecting bars and restaurants that serve alcohol to ensure their liquor licenses are in compliance.

Brown also noted that celebratory gunfire is illegal and will not be tolerated.

“Bullets that go up must come down,” he said, “and they come down at a speed and velocity that can kill. So we will be holding those accountable who are discharging firearms over the weekend and, really, at any time.”

Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson[email protected] | (773) 509-5431


Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors