The Buffalo Police
Department is preparing for the St. Patrick’s Day parade, which will take place
on Sunday, March 17.
The
police are strengthening efforts to have an increase in the number of officers
on duty. Their goal will be to monitor uncontrolled alcohol consumption,
particularly by minors.
“We’re keeping an eye out
for underage drinking and will be enforcing laws against public intoxication,”
said Deputy Police Commissioner Barbara Lark.
Body cameras have been a
running factor within law enforcement. Last year, the police department
initiated the pilot body camera program and were pleased with the results of
it.
“Body cameras will help to
make sure everyone is kept safe, both the parade-goers and officers on duty,” Lark
said.
The parade starts at 2 p.m.
and will run from Delaware Avenue, near the McKinley Monument, heading north to
North Avenue.
The
St. Patrick’s Day parade has been running since 1913 and is one of the largest
celebrations in Buffalo. The celebration has been ranked number four on
Wallethub’s Best Places to Go for St. Patrick’s Day in 2018 and ranked 14th
overall for 2019. By Brittany Edward and Kaitlyn
Mayrose