(WTTW News)
Chicago police will deploy extra officers ahead of New Year’s Eve festivities around the city.
Commander Jon Hein on Friday said additional deployments are being planned downtown and throughout Chicago neighborhoods to ensure a safe new year.
“We know it’ll be a busy night,” he said during a press conference. “We ask everyone to please ensure that you have a safe night and if you’re going to celebrate, do that responsibly.”
Hein would not disclose how many additional officers will be deployed Sunday night, citing “safety reasons,” but said there will be an “adequate number of officers to ensure safety.”
With the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, Hein noted that there is a planned demonstration expected to take place New Year’s Eve, but he said police have been in contact with its organizers and the CPD is looking forward to “assisting them so they have a safe event.”
In addition to those extra deployments, transit officers will also be assigned to CTA train and bus lines and traffic control officers will be working to ensure both pedestrians and drivers are safe.
The CTA is also offering free rides on both trains and buses from 10 p.m. Sunday until 4 a.m. Monday.
City-led festivities include Art on the Mart projections at the Merchandise Mart beginning at 7:30 p.m., which will feature works from the past five years. A countdown display will kick in at 11:55 p.m. Fireworks at midnight will coincide with Navy Pier’s lakefront display and a special New Year message will be displayed on the Mart until 12:15 a.m.
Patty Wetli contributed to this report.
