PB Police Prepare for Beach Booze Ban

The 4th of July is quickly approaching and the San Diego Police Department is treating Pacific Beach as Ground Zero. Lt. David Nisleit spoke to the Pacific Beach Town Council, on the 18th of June, about the upcoming preparations for the Independence Day festivities.

Police department staffing will begin to increase on the 3rd and DUI checkpoints will be out that night somewhere in the vicinity of Grand and Garnett entertainment districts.

SDPD will use De Anza Cove as the location for the unified command post for the entire three-day weekend.

For the 4th, all divisions will be on duty, including several motor and K-9 squads, equestrian division, helicopters and at least 2 boats patrolling the bay.

"I am confident that staffing will not be an issue," said Lt. Nisleit to town council members.

The residents of Pacific Beach were still concerned.

"The perception from most residents is that since drinking on the beach is illegal, everyone will now go to the bay. I can see there are a handful of boats out with people drinking. The police department's two boats will be able to handle it, but if there are a hundred boats you're not going to be able to control the situation with two boats," said one resident in the audience.

Lt. Nisleit understood his concern, "Unfortunately, the San Diego Police Department only has three boats total, and one of those is having mechanical issues, but we are well aware of the situation, along with the Coast Guard and with help from other agencies we will do our best to handle the situation."

Another resident asked about loud, amplified music on the boardwalk.

"We will be patrolling and if there are any disturbances to the public, at any time, we will act, though, please keep in mind it will be a busy weekend and we'll have our hands full," responded Lt. Nisleit.

Visit sandiego.gov/police and the pbtowncouncil.org websites for more details.