Beatrice Police readying for New Year’s holiday, encourages planning if going out

BEATRICE - The New Year’s holiday falls on a weekend this year and the Beatrice Police Department is making preparations to keep the southeast Nebraska town safe.

Captain Dan Moss says one of the main things the department is preparing for, is patrolling impaired drivers on the roads. In doing so, the department will keep close watch on any traffic violations.

“We honestly look for about anything,” Moss said. “Anything out on the road. If you’re going out, make sure your headlights work, make sure your blinkers work, use your blinkers, make sure your tail lights work... we have to have a reason to pull you over, but we can use just about anything.”

When not patrolling the roads, BPD says they’ll often patrol inside popular bars.

“Sometimes we’ll go through bars and do bar checks,” Moss said. “Just to make sure people know we’re out and around… Sometimes the bars will call us and say ‘hey, it’s getting a little crazy in here, a little busy, there’s some guys who are causing some problems’, so we’ll go down and do a walk through.”

While the weather for the holiday weekend looks promising, with above normal temperatures in the forecast, Moss reminds people to not let their guard down on winter weather preparedness.

“For the road safety, make sure you have food, water, and blankets,” Moss said. “Make sure your car is filled with gas if you’re going to be leaving town.”

BPD encourages finding a ride if you plan to drink this weekend. One option is your local taxi company, while another, is possibly finding someone not of age to drive.

“If you’ve got an 18 year old in the house that wants to make a little money, have them drive you,” Moss said. “Or, find some who’s willing to take a phone call at one or two in the morning, just have a plan, and don’t try to wing it once you’re eight Busch Light’s deep.”