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Police Target Downtown Partyers, Drunken Drivers on New Year's Eve

By Josh McGhee | December 30, 2013 1:14pm
 Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy said he expects millions of people to descend on the Downtown area to ring in the new year.
Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy said he expects millions of people to descend on the Downtown area to ring in the new year.
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DNAinfo/Josh McGhee

SOUTH LOOP — Planning to party Downtown this New Year's Eve? Make sure to be on your best behavior.

The Chicago Police Department will be beefing up security in the Loop, River North and beyond Tuesday night into Wednesday morning to keep wild, drunken partiers at bay, top cop Garry McCarthy said Monday.

"Obviously, the Downtown area is the focus of what's happening, but just like we did during NATO, we're going to cover the rest of the city," said McCarthy.

Undercover officers will patrol with uniformed officers that will be easily identifiable, McCarthy said. Officers will be looking for drunken drivers as well.

"If you're enjoying an adult beverage as many of us will — well, maybe not us we'll be working — we're recommending that you prearrange transportation to your home or hotel," McCarthy said. "There's no need to wait to make those plans, and procrastinating usually leads to bad decisions."

McCarthy encouraged residents to take advantage of "penny rides" on the CTA, which is one cent (and often free) "L" rides from 10 p.m. on New Years Eve to 4 a.m. on New Years Day.

"Whatever it may be, illegal or reckless behavior will not be tolerated on New Year's Eve. Police will be out keeping our streets and our neighborhood secure so everybody can celebrate and have a safe and secure New Years," McCarthy warned.