Beatrice Police Department ready for holiday weekend, talks responsible celebrating

BEATRICE - With the new year’s holiday weekend just a few days away, many will head out to bars and restaurants to celebrate, or, visit with friends and family to ring in the new year. However, local law enforcement asks those planning to celebrate to do so responsibly. Capt. Dan Moss is captain of the Beatrice Police Department.

“We’ll just drive around and look for violations,” Moss said.

Moss says they plan to patrol by looking for drivers who show signs of impairment through violations. Things such as missing a turn signal and not having headlights on serve as warning signs for officers. They also are preparing for possibly more incidents, as last year’s COVID New Year’s kept people inside. Local bars and the downtown area could be more crowded this year, but even if they aren't, the job remains the same for police.

“Just because the bars aren’t busy doesn’t mean there aren’t impaired people driving around,” Moss said. “Especially with New Year’s people may head over to friends houses. People do probably more drinking at friends houses because it’s cheaper and people may start earlier and drink later, because there’s no closing time.”

The department also warns against firework use, which is prohibited, within the city limits of Beatrice.

“Fireworks are not allowed,” Moss said. “I think there are some cities that do allow it by an ordinance, but Beatrice isn’t one of them. If you want to shoot off fireworks, go out in the county. In the county, you can shoot off fireworks 24/7, 365.”

The BPD also recommends finding a designated driver if you plan to be out drinking. If you find yourself in a situation where you are in need of a ride, ask the bartender or a friend for a voucher to the Yellow Cab of Beatrice as part of the city’s ride home program. The Beatrice Police Department can also be contacted when in need of a ride.