The St. Patrick's Day Parade returns to Pittsburgh this year and crowds are expected to bounce back.
Locals will throw on their green and hit downtown Saturday morning to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. A welcomed sign of normalcy for some after the event was cancelled for the last two years.
Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt says they're expecting 2019-sized crowds and a public safety plan to match.
"I know it's been two years since we've had St. Patrick's Day celebrations, at least to what they've used to be. We're just dusting off those old plans and having the police presence as appropriate."
Both uniformed and officers in plain clothes will be out.
Officers will also be checking bars and restaurants for capacity violations.
Police Commander John Fisher says will police will be out in full-force.
"You're going to see an increase in police down there over the weekend, particularly on Saturday. Pittsburgh Police will be supported by the Pennsylvania State Police and Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, as well as the Pennsylvania Liquor Code Enforcement Team."
Leaders are encouraging those who come down to plan ahead for a ride home if they choose to drink.
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