Regional Police concerned about binge drinking at Oktoberfest
Posted Oct 4, 2017 05:00:32 PM.
Last Updated Oct 4, 2017 05:06:30 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Regional Police say the recent tragic events in Edmonton, Las Vegas, and elsewhere have influenced their plan to step up security at this year’s Oktoberfest.
In light of the recent attacks, Larkin says police will be positioned in high, strategic areas to get a full view of the crowds and access routes, and will have boom cameras at their command post to monitor activity.
But terrorism doesn’t top the list of public safety concerns for police.
Chief Bryan Larkin says the terrorism threat level remains low here in our Region, and the criminal offences and disorderly conduct associated with public drunkenness remains one of their biggest concerns.
“If you’re heading up to dance, don’t leave your drink unattended… There are those that prey on vulnerable people,” Larkin says. “I’m concerned about sexual assaults, I’m concerned about assaults. The sheer binge drinking is a significant concern for me as the Chief.”
Public intoxication and other alcohol-related charges remain the most commonly laid during the beer-drinking festival. Larkin says there will be officers working at all the festhalles and much more visible on the streets with a focus on combating excessive drinking.
“Twelve thousands people standing on a street talking and consuming alcohol,” he says, “Just having one too many, those are the most common pieces and I think in the grand scheme of things, it’s something that is manageable. But that’s really the bulk of our work, is those that maybe have one too many glasses or steins of beer.”
Plus there will be multiple RIDE programs across the Region every night.
“Starting Friday citizens — fair warning — there will be enhanced road safety,” says Larkin.
