Chicago police ramp up patrols ahead of New Year's festivities

CHICAGO - As Chicago gears up to celebrate the New Year, preparations were in full swing Friday – with city officials prioritizing safety during the festivities.  

The Chicago Police Department is working in tandem with the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

"Our violence interrupters will be deployed downtown and throughout the city to engage with members of our public, but especially our youth," said Deputy Chief Jon Hein, Chicago Police Department.

Hein, the incident commander for this weekend’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, said CPD is expanding its police presence – with extra officers deployed both on the ground and across the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).

"With all the activities going on in the downtown area, we’re going to have the adequate number of officers to ensure safety, not only downtown but throughout the neighborhoods," said Hein.

Officials are emphatically urging the public not to discharge firearms into the air as a form of celebration on New Year's Eve.

Furthermore, they are advocating for heightened awareness of your surroundings during the festivities, particularly in large crowds.

"The traffic control will be out there to assess the situation, it will be very fluid," said Hein. 

The city's schedule boasts numerous events, including the New Year’s Eve 5K on Lake Shore Drive at 8 a.m. Sunday, followed by the Bears game at Soldier Field with kickoff at noon.

Evening celebrations offer multiple options for Chicagoans to watch the clock strike midnight, including Navy Pier’s New Year’s Eve Gala.

This year, midnight fireworks will light up the sky, not only at Navy Pier but also along the Riverwalk. There, the countdown to the New Year will be projected onto the Merchandise Mart, following the Best of ART on THE MART show, which begins at 7:30 p.m. 

The show will highlight the most popular projections over the last five years, including pieces from leading artists like Derrick Adams, Nick Cave and the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project

"There’s been many meetings in preparation for New Year’s Eve so I think we’re prepared, and our plan will be implemented, I hope everyone has a happy and safe New Year’s Eve," said Hein.

Due to large crowds, using public transportation is encouraged. 

Plus, to urge the public to celebrate responsibly, the CTA – in partnership with Miller Lite – is offering free rides on trains and buses from 10 p.m. Sunday until 4 a.m. Monday.

The Chicago Police Department is aware of a possible pro-Palestine demonstration along Michigan Avenue at noon on New Year’s Eve. Officials say they are in contact with the organizers to ensure everyone remains safe.