Rye police are planning to increase their presence around town this New Year’s Eve holiday.
On Wednesday – a night often marked by parties and celebrations, as well as increased alcohol consumption – police will deploy more officers beginning at 4 p.m., through Jan. 1 at 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Lt Michael Anfuso said.
Cops will be patrolling in both marked and unmarked vehicles, primarily keeping an eye out for drunk drivers, he said.
This holiday will also be marked by a law enforcement counter-terrorism initiative coined “Operation Safeguard,” which entails increased security checks at religious facilities, the Rye train station, commuter parking areas, bus routes, and the downtown business district.
Anfuso didn’t specify whether there is more activity on New Year’s Eve — tickets issued or arrests – but said locals seem aware of increased patrol vehicles.
“In the past people tend to realize there is going to be an increased law enforcement presence on the roads during the holidays and take the necessary steps,” he told The Record.
Westchester County police are also planning to ramp up enforcement around drunk driving and plan to participate in Operation Safeguard.
Specifically, drivers should expect to see more county cops patrolling the Bronx River, Cross County, Saw Mill and Hutchinson River parkways, as well as in Mount Kisco and Cortlandt.
“Anyone who drives while impaired by drugs or alcohol poses a danger to themselves, other motorists and pedestrians,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. “The goal of this increased DWI enforcement is prevent tragedies and keep people safe.”
