Miami Police Step Up Presence For Holidays
MIAMI (CBS4) - Along with the hustle and bustle of the holidays comes concern by the Miami Police Department for the city's residents and visitors as they begin their shopping.
Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado said once again they city's police department will be putting more officers on the street to keep things safe.
"This is a commitment the police department has made to keep our streets safe, not only during the holiday but throughout the year," said Regalado.
Thirty seven officers have been re-assigned from other departments to keep an eye on shoppers.
"There are 16 different locations throughout the city where residents go and shop," said Miami Police Chief Manuel Orosa. "Those areas are usually very busy with shopping and many transactions."
Those areas are from NW 7th Avenue and 62nd Street to Coconut Grove.
"I think it's good. I think it's about time, you hear about all things going on all the time, I think it's about time," said shopper Annie Gonzalez.
"It puts a guarantee for me, for everybody, I am happy to see more protection, so they can save my money, it's good," said Atmeu Armina.
Due to a recent rash of shootings around the Thanksgiving weekend, especially one in Liberty City in which two women were killed, Orosa had a message to resident's of the city's poorer neighborhoods.
"We have allocated extra resources up in the Liberty Square area. We hadn't had a shooting in probably about 20 months and now during the holidays is escalating again, so we are doubling our efforts over there with more resources to ensure it does not happen again."
