Chicago police Larry Snelling Tuesday afternoon held a press conference detailing the department's security plans for New Year's Eve, reminding residents to celebrate responsibly.
We want to make sure that everyone is safe," Snelling said. "If our officers are going to shots fired calls and they're just celebratory shots fired, this also takes our officers away from those more pressing jobs that they need to get to right away. So we want to be, we are very concerned about the safety of everyone in the city, and we want everyone to celebrate safely and then take other people's safety into consideration."
Snelling also shared some year-to-date numbers from the Chicago Police Department, saying the city has seen a reduction in robberies and homicides, and that the department added three helicopters to aid in policing.
Snelling also said there has been a seven percent reduction in shootings, and a four percent reduction in shooting victims compared to 2023.
"There's a lot of hard, dangerous work that goes into that, and our officers make us proud every single day as they do this type of work," Snelling said. "While this is progress, we still have work to do. We still have to go out and make sure that everyone feels safe across this city, no matter what neighborhood you're in.
Chicago will see two big fireworks shows Tuesday, along with dozens of parties across the city, including at Navy Pier -- where approximately 35,000 people are expected.
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“Our security and safety team has been very thoughtful about ensuring that our traffic slow stays really active regardless of weather and that we have some extra safety and security measures in place so that everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging when they’re here at Navy Pier celebrating," said Elizabeth Halajian, senior vice president of advancement at Navy Pier.
According to Halajian, Navy Pier is also partnering with Chicago Police, state police and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications to ensure public safety.
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According to officials, there will be additional CPD patrols at major event locations. State police will also be visible around the city, officials said.
Other big events around the city include the NHL Winter Classic between the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues. The game takes place at Wrigley Field at 4 p.m.
The city recommends taking public transportation to New Year's Eve events, with free rides provided by both CTA and Metra.
Metra will offer free fares on trains arriving at or departing from downtown stations beginning at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
Alcohol will be banned on all trains after 7 p.m.
The CTA will offer free rides between 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 4 a.m. on New Year’s Day, an offer that will apply to all buses and trains, according to the agency.
