Columbia Police Beef Up Presence For Gameday

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Saturday NIght local law enforcement is will saturate the area with patrols, particularly in downtown Columbia’s Five Points area for the post game parties. You could call it the ‘Party Central’ of the Capitol City, Five Points. It’s a constant pain for police day and night. However, for Game Day weekend, USC Vs. UGA, and in response to a recent increase in violent criminal activity, the Columbia Police Department is upping the ante. Some $11,000 dollars has been budgeted for 50 additional CPD officers on the street, overtime, gas and care for their vehicles. Spokesperson, Jennifer Timmons, says while downtown will be a focal point, other parts of the city won’t be ignored. “If we give specific details about where we are and how we’re doing an operation, the criminals know that and they’ll say, ‘Ii’ll take my business down the road.’ But, we know that as well. That’s why we have patrols all across the city,” said Timmons. In addition to increased police presence, law enforcement officers say some 50 new, high definition cameras have been installed all around the area. Manager at Insomnia Cookies, Alexis Griffith, agrees more cops are needed. However, she’s also concerned. “You never want a whole bunch of police outside your business when you’re trying to have families and people come inside,” said Griffith. By contrast, he overwhelming majority of merchants tell ABC Columbia they welcome the added presence and are hopeful the mayhem stays on the football field.