CHICAGO — As Chicago prepares to close out 2022, Chicago police say they will be ready to make sure everyone has a safe start for 2023.

Superintendent David Brown held a news conference Friday and said the city has developed a comprehensive security plan that includes 1,300 additional officers working for the holiday weekend. 

“We’re ready for New Year’s Eve and all the celebrations taking place across the city,” Brown said.

Brown said officers will have a visible presence in retail corridors with increased patrols in entertainment districts and Millennium Park. Tact teams, mounted units and bicycle officers will be staffed downtown.

City agencies will be coordinating with the security team at Navy Pier along with downtown businesses and hotels.

Police warn celebratory gunfire is dangerous and illegal. 

As the year draws to a close, Chicago has seen a significant drop in gun violence, though there were still more than 730 homicides according to the medical examiner’s office. Thefts, including those targeting vehicles, have risen sharply. Burglaries and robberies also increased over the past year.

“Our work is never done. We’re never satisfied,” Brown said. “There’s always another case to solve.”

OEMC asks that people report suspicious activity by calling 911.

Navy Pier will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and will host a countdown and fireworks at midnight.

CTA is providing free bus and train rides beginning at 10 p.m. on Saturday through 4 a.m. Sunday.