ACT Policing is preparing to deploy a range of resources for the upcoming SkyFire event over Lake Burley Griffin on Saturday night (March 19).
For the first time, ACT Policing is a key supporter of the event as it aims to use the high profile of Skyfire to raise awareness of how excessive alcohol consumption can lead to anti-social behaviour, lead people to become victims of crime, and to promote awareness of the ACT’s new liquor legislation.
ACT Policing’s Operational Commander for the event, Superintendent Kylie Flower, said the SkyFire is a great event for Canberra, and has been celebrated for 23 years with success.
“ACT Policing will be targeting anti-social behaviour and alcohol misuse which includes drink-driving and underage drinking. We will be ensuring the new liquor reforms and legislation is adhered to, both at the event and afterward,” Supt Flower said.
Police will be patrolling both the north and south sides of the lake along with four police vessels operating on the waterway. On one police vessel, an ACT Ambulance paramedic will be placed with police in a ‘rapid response’ capability in the case of a medical emergency.
Police will also have temporary youth reception areas in place at the venue and a youth reception team based at Woden and City Station to assist if intoxicated youth are taken into protective custody.
“With events as big as SkyFire, ACT Policing is urging parents and guardians to check on the safety and whereabouts of their children during the night. If you’re a parent or guardian and your children are attending SkyFire, ask yourself: ‘do you really know where your children are tonight?’ If you can’t honestly answer this question, then I’d ask you to check the welfare of your children and reassess the situation,” Supt Flower said.
Police will also be targeting drink-driving offenders, and are urging anyone who is driving to SkyFire not to drink and drive. Police will be patrolling the roads and conducting random breath tests throughout the night.
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