Atlanta police say they have heard activists may protest what they see as police brutality nationwide but the information is not enough to ramp up security any more than previous New Year’s Eve celebrations.
A New York-based group — The Stop Mass Incarceration Network — is planning a protest for Times Square and trying - mostly through social media — to get similar demonstrations elsewhere, including at the Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta. They are calling it “Rock in the New Year with resistance to police murder.”
“We heard that people may come down and protest but we’ll just be prepared like we always are,” APD spokeswoman Kim Jones said Wednesday.
She said police will have to manage crowds coming downtown to one of at least three large events, all within a few miles of each other. The Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta is expected to be the largest. At the same time, the New Year’s Eve Affordable Old School Music Festival will be held at Philips Arena and there will be a large party at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
“We’re going to have people down there like we always do,” Jones said.
Tips to stay safe, avoid headaches
Like other jurisdictions in the metro area, APD is warning that some ways of celebrating the new year are dangerous.
“Pointing a gun towards the sky and firing shots into the air to commemorate an event or holiday is unsafe and against the law,” APD posted on its Facebook page. “In Atlanta, anyone caught firing a gun into the air could be charged with a misdemeanor and face a fine of up to $1,000.”
Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services put out a notice Wednesday about fireworks. Except for professional fireworks displays, Georgia law only allows celebrants to have sparklers.
“Any fireworks device that explodes or launches into the air is considered illegal and could cause significant bodily harm or damage to property,” Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said in a statement.
And finally APD issued a warning about traffic and parking in the city. Pay attention and look around for “no parking” signs. Otherwise, 2015 could begin with an expensive ticket and paying to get a car out of impound.
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