Charleston Police adds extra enforcement on New Year’s Eve

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The City of Charleston plans to celebrate a safe New Year’s Eve with residents and locals downtown.

The Charleston Police Department is gearing up for busy crowds as visitors and locals are expected to ring in 2025 in the Holy City. Checkpoints will be located at Morrison Drive and Jackson Street, and at Calhoun Street and Smith Street.

“We know a lot of people are going to come down, we know it’s going to be a busy night. Come on down, have fun, but we just want people to be safe and we’re going to have a lot of officers out there,” Sgt. Chris Stinson, public information officer of Charleston Police Department, said. “We’re going to keep everyone safe. There’s going to be traffic checkpoints, there’s going to be a DUI enforcement initiative, and just a heavy police presence but it’s all to keep everyone safe.”

With many bars and restaurants located on King Street, expecting crowds of people, more patrols will be added on foot and in vehicle. In addition to keeping everyone safe, they are encouraging people to make use of the city’s rideshare program.

“We love the rideshares, you know we are just trying to make it as safe and efficient as possible, that’s how the rideshare parking works. But please use them, use the rideshares,” Stinson said. “There’s no reason in 2024 to drive impaired, there’s a lot of resources out there please use them.”

CPD said they are prepared to keep the crowds in control.

“It’s a very busy city, there’s a lot going on and we’ve experienced these influx events on a regular basis, and we are prepared to handle what we need to,” said Stinson.