Savannah Police to Enhance Safety Measures for 4th of July Celebrations

In anticipation of the upcoming 4th of July celebrations, the Savannah Police Department (SPD) has announced its commitment to ramp up safety measures. With the beginning of the Independence Day holiday weekend on Thursday, the department seeks to ensure public safety through increased patrols concentrating on crowd management, celebratory gunfire control and drunk driving prevention.

Keeping Crowds Safe Amid Holiday Celebrations

In response to a surge of violence over recent months in Savannah, SPD is placing a strong focus on crowd safety. Thousands of people are expected in the city over the weekend for firework displays, and SPD is not sparing any resources to guarantee they can celebrate safely. To that end, an additional 100 officers will be deployed in the city during the holiday break.

Sgt. Jason Pagliaro from SPD emphasized their approach, stating, “We are going to have ample officers in the downtown area. There’s going to be a significant presence both in City Market and on River Street. We will adjust as the crowds dictate us to where they are.”

Combating Celebratory Gunfire

Alongside managing crowds, SPD patrols will actively target celebratory gunfire, which can cause significant property damage and pose a high risk for injuries or even fatalities. With the help of their ShotSpotter system, SPD can differentiate between firework sounds and actual gunfire, helping to efficiently respond to potential threats.

“We respond to all of them as if they are gunshots, and unfortunately, a lot of them are celebratory gunfire and we’re out looking for shell casings and for damage,” Sgt. Pagliaro added.

DUI Patrols in Place

Additionally, SPD will be joining efforts with the Georgia State Patrol’s Nighthawks to monitor and apprehend drunk drivers. Georgia’s HEAT (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) and traffic units will also be aiding these efforts, reflecting the commitment to preventing any avoidable mishaps during the holiday.

“You’re looking at jail time, but on top of that, you hit somebody in your car, you hit somebody on their ride home, we had an officer last year that got hit by a drunk. All of these things are the result of someone being irresponsible, and chose to get on the road drunk, and the impacts can be life changing,” Sgt. Pagliaro warned.

Safe Use of Fireworks

SPD also issued a reminder about the rules for using fireworks during the 4th of July holiday. Fireworks can be set off in Georgia on Wednesday and Thursday between 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m., following strict guidelines. Fireworks are not allowed in public roads or parks, historic sites, state or city-owned properties, or within 100 yards of an electric plant, water treatment plant, hospital, nursing home, or jail.

While SPD maintains that issuing citations for improper use of fireworks is rare, Sgt. Pagliaro suggested they could be enforced if necessary. “We try to use it as an education piece, but if we keep having to come back, the reality is we may have to,” he warned.

Sgt. Pagliaro also summoned the spirit of communal celebration and personal responsibility in his closing comments: “Let’s do it responsibly. Let’s not drink and drive. Let’s be patient with each other and enjoy ourselves.”