KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Crowds are expected to gather in downtown Knoxville over the weekend to enjoy a variety of festivities, closing out the year with celebrations and cheer. While downtown, they may also see more Knoxville Police Department officers patrolling the area.
"It's very pretty. As you can see, all the lights and stuff and the ice skating is very, very fun," said Jade Bell, a resident in the downtown area.
KPD said more officers will be patrolling the streets and the sidewalks over the weekend as a way to deter crimes, like vandalism or drinking and driving. The increased patrols also come after a shooting in Krutch Park wounded a person the previous weekend.
KPD is still searching for the suspect involved in the shooting.
"You'll see more officers on foot, you'll see more cruisers parked in the area that those officers came with," said Sammy Shaffer, the Central District commander captain. "We want folks to feel reassured. We know that there's a little bit of a feeling of safety, and also a little bit of deterrence with our presence."
More officers were already present in the downtown area by Friday, as restaurants and bars prepared to welcome New Year's revelers. KPD is asking people to do their part in making sure downtown Knoxville stays safe.
"We want folks to do their part, being mindful of where they park and being mindful of their surroundings, securing their valuables and what have you. And then, we'll do our part to try to increase the presence, knowing that an additional number of folks are arriving," said Shaffer. "We want everybody to have a great New Year's and have a good time. Have a plan, be prepared to be patient, and let's ring in a good year."