Despite a slight increase in service calls for police this Fourth of July, Hermosa Beach city officials are calling their crackdown on alcohol-related offenses a success.
"I think it went very well," said Interim Police Chief Michael McCrary Tuesday. "We're very pleased with our efforts. They paid huge dividends in preventing an awful lot of violations."
This Fourth, police responded to 367 calls, arrested 32 and issued 120 citations for the 24-hour period beginning at 6 a.m. on the Fourth. In 2012, for a very similar time period, police handled 341 calls, arrested 24 people and cited approximately 23, according to preliminary documents for 2012.
Regardless, city staff and officials are pleased.
"We saw less drinking and less intoxication," said McCrary, basing his comments on what officers who worked last year too have told him. He attributed the success to the marketing campaign the city began earlier this year to advise potential partygoers of the crackdown and the repercussions for offenders.
For the Hermosa Beach Fire Department, the 2013 Fourth of July brought a welcome decrease in calls with only 22 total incidents, the lowest number found on recent records.
In 2012, the fire department responded to 31 emergency incidents, with a reported additional 25 fireworks-related calls and six miscellaneous citizen contacts.
Stated Mayor Patrick "Kit" Bobko, “We plan to continue the increased enforcement for the next three to four years to ensure safe and enjoyable Independence Day celebrations well into the future.”
- Previously: Extra Law Enforcement Delivers Fourth of July Message in Hermosa Beach
- Previously: Police Gear Up for July 4 Crowds
- Previously: City Triples Alcohol Fines for Fourth of July
- Previously: Hermosa Beach Ironman 2013 in Photos
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