Following the terrorist attack in New Orleans early Wednesday morning, Atlanta police said they were increasing security around this afternoon’s Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
“In light of today’s development and as an added precaution, specialized units and additional personnel will be further deployed to the Downtown and Midtown areas to ensure the continued safety and security of residents and visitors,” the statement said.
Thousands of people ventured into Underground Atlanta for the Peach Drop Tuesday night, which kicked off the New Year celebrations in the city. Atlanta Police Department Chief Darin Schierbaum said they were expecting increased traffic on New Year’s Day for those attending the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Practically the entire police department will be out in force for the celebrations, the chief said.
“We’re going to have hundreds of officers working,” Schierbaum said during a news conference at police headquarters Monday. “We’re a department of 1,700 officers (and) almost every one of them will be working over that 24-hour period (starting Tuesday morning). We have them deployed to be in the areas we know we’re gonna have a concentration of citizens.”
Wednesday’s game pits the Texas Longhorns against the Arizona State Sun Devils, which this year is a quarterfinal in the new 12-team College Football Playoff.
There are several parking lots available for the game, though tailgating is only permitted in The Home Depot Backyard and the Marshalling Yard lots. The zone for ordering rideshares is located on Northside Drive, in front of the Georgia World Congress Center’s Building C.
Drivers navigating New Year festivities are advised to leave home early, expect delays and use 511 for traffic information, officials said.
Credit: David Aaro / David.Aaro@ajc.com
Credit: David Aaro / David.Aaro@ajc.com
Atlanta police will be fully staffed starting at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Schierbaum said. With off days canceled for all sworn personnel, the chief thanked the officers who were spending time away from their families to keep the city safe. Officers are working 12-hour shifts, which is also the case for 911 operators who typically see a “significant” increase in calls during this time of year, officials said.
Last year, between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, more than 1,750 calls came into the E-911 center, according to Executive Director Desiree Arnold. She asked that for non-medical emergencies, such as noise complaints and fireworks, people should call 311 and click option 2. They can also report issues online at atl311.com.
“This call volume highlights the importance of knowing how and when to use our emergency resources effectively,” Arnold said.
Schierbaum said specialized teams will be combating street racing throughout Atlanta. In the sky, drones and the department’s normal air unit will be evident.
To avoid drinking and driving, the chief asked the public to take rideshares or use public transportation, as MARTA will provide increased train service through downtown Atlanta.
Staff writer Jozsef Papp contributed to this report.
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