More police in Harrisburg | fox43.com

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania – If you were out at bars and restaurants in Harrisburg over Father’s Day weekend, you may have noticed an increased police presence on the way home.

Earlier this week, Harrisburg authorities announced an increased police presence that will patrol when most bars and restaurants close at 2 a.m.

Police said the change was in response to recent illegal incidents around closing times, including a mass shooting in May that left two people dead, which forced police to make the changes.

“Everyone deserves the same level of help, protection and safety,” said Tom Carter, police chief for the city of Harrisburg.

Harrisburg City Police were assisted by multiple agencies, including the Pennsylvania State Police Mounted Cavalry Unit, and patrolled around bars and restaurants that were open after midnight.

Authorities said this was to keep an eye on possible illegal activities and to ensure the safety of guests on their way home.

“If I have to call in the SWAT team to walk around with AR-15 rifles on their belts, Harrisburg will calm down. Harrisburg will be a calm city, Harrisburg will be a safe city,” Carter continued.

Mike Keely and his band performed at a downtown bar Saturday night. His band, Bus Stop Minister, travels throughout Pennsylvania for their performance.

Keely told FOX43 that the increased police presence was reassuring.

“There were a couple of nights where we were walking back to our cars and it got a little scary, so it’s definitely reassuring to know that there’s going to be a little more troops out there,” Keely said.

Guests of bars and restaurants also had to temporarily close some streets around 2 a.m.

Police were also prepared to deal with any minors who might still be on the streets after these stores closed.

With the summer holidays now upon us, authorities continue to remind parents of the curfew imposed in the city and warn that minors who violate it will face prosecution.

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