How Waterloo Regional Police have been preparing for St. Patrick's Day

Waterloo Regional Police Services (WRPS) have taken extra steps thisyear in preparation for the massiveSt. Patrick's Day yearlyparty.

This year's event saw more than 15,000 people floodthe streets of King Street andEzra Avenue in Waterloo, the biggest crowd police have seen attend.

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The celebrationfellon a Saturday, which broughtother challenges.

Police started planning and preparing for this St. Patrick's Day weekendsince last year's event by assigning three full times officers to workon this year's response.

"We felt we needed to take a different approach,"WRPSChief, BryanLarkintoldCBC'sThe Morning Edition.

"I'm not naive to think that there's not going to be a St. Patrick's Day celebration. It's about scaling back and it's about responsible drinking."

This year during the doorknocker campaign on March 7, police, along with the Waterloo FireDepartment,paramedicsanduniversity student leaders, emphasised strongly on publicsafety and respect.

"This isn't about dampeningthe fund spirit of St. Patrick's Day," said Larkin. "It's about doing it smart, respectful, safe, in a licensed establishment. The unsanctioned street parties, it creates a number of different challenges for us."

One of the biggest issues last year was around street crowding. Police, fire department and emergency crewshad a hard time getting through the large crowd.

Larkinsaid police had to move people so that emergency crews could get to them and assist.

This year, WRPSalsoreached out toPeel Regional Police (PRP) to assist in this year's festivities.

"Our policing resources are stretched to the max," Larkinsaid. "We no longer have the capacity to provide a safe atmosphere or safe environment."

Larkinsaid police will also be taking a firmer approach when it comes to liquor licence violations.

City of Waterloo bylaw officers have been givenmore power to crack down on street parties this year.

Bylaw officers have the power to fine individuals for limiting the normal use of city sidewalks and roads, andcharge fees in regards to cleanup and having staff deal with unsanctioned events.