Police prepare for biggest party night

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - With friends and family coming into town, the night before Thanksgiving is known as one of the biggest party nights of the year. Police and security will be beefed up downtown.

Buffalo Police have installed a new piece of technology, high in the sky, to make sure Thanksgiving Eve partiers are safe and sound, and act appropriately.

It's not just Buffalo Police cracking down on Thanksgiving Eve celebrations. State troopers will be out in full force too.

Troopers will be stationed throughout western New York, with various DWI checkpoints. They're urging drinkers to find a designated driver, so as not to cause harm to themselves or anyone else on the road.

State troopers are also working on Operation Hang Up, focusing on distracted driving. Police will be watching for folks who are texting or talking while driving, checking for speeding and seatbelt violations, as well.

Back in Buffalo, Mayor Byron Brown says he's well aware that this is the biggest party night of the year.

Brown said, “As we do for every holiday period, every Thanksgiving, every Christmas, we have extra police support, so we will have extra police support.  Thanksgiving revelers who are gonna be out partying can have a great and safe time in the city of Buffalo, across the entire city.”