Chicago bolsters security for New Year’s Eve celebrations

CHICAGO - With thousands expected to flood the city for New Year’s Eve, Chicago police ramped up security, including an increased presence downtown and canceled days off for some officers.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said during a press conference Tuesday that officers would be stationed in high-traffic areas downtown and at other celebrations across Chicago, while also protecting neighborhoods.

"We made sure that across the city we didn’t remove some of our most hardworking officers out of those districts to put them downtown," Snelling said. "With days-off cancelations, we were able to make the balance of sending officers downtown and to other celebrations while maintaining a robust workforce within those areas."

He also warned residents and visitors that firing a weapon into the air to celebrate the new year is both illegal and careless.

"If our officers are going to shots fired calls and they are just celebratory shots fired, this also takes our officers away from those more pressing jobs that they need to get to right away," said Snelling.

Fireworks displays were scheduled for midnight along the Chicago River and Navy Pier. Downtown river bridges would close to traffic at 11:45 p.m. for the show, along with other nearby streets and sidewalks.

The city suggests the best place to view the Riverwalk fireworks will be Upper Wacker from McClurg Court to Franklin Street.

Authorities reminded residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity, emphasizing the importance of the "see something, say something" principle.