Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - With thousands of New Year's revelers ready to fill the streets of downtown Buffalo, police are urging common sense and warning of a crackdown on any criminal behavior.
"We will have a significant police presence," Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia warned as he announced plans for the department to ramp up enforcement details for the New Year's weekend and New Year's Eve in particular.
"We will be out enforcing both driving while intoxicated and driving while ability impaired by the use of narcotics or marijuana," Gramaglia warned as he emphasized that officers will be on the lookout for driving while high in addition to alcohol intoxication.
Gramaglia says the BPD has a plan in place for enforcement and those attending the ball drop or any New Year's celebrations should have a plan as well to avoid driving while under the influence.
In addition to the ball drop police enforcement, Gramaglia says specialized details will also target the popular Chippewa and Allen districts.
"Be responsible," cautioned Gramaglia, as he urged those celebrating New Year's to party responsibly.
Police have also been alerted to calls of weapons being fired at previous New Year's celebrations, as well as illegal use of fireworks, and he warned the department will be strictly enforcing those violations. "If you're out there and firing a gun and we get a call on it or we hear it, we're coming after you."
If anyone notices anything out of the ordinary during New Year's celebrations, Gramaglia urges them to come forward to police. "If you see something, say something."
The Buffalo Police coordinates with Federal and state law enforcement partners in planning for large scale events such as the ball drop in Roosevelt Square.
