Police to summer at Revere Beach

REVERE – Massachusetts State Police and Revere Police will step up patrols around Revere Beach beginning this weekend in part as a response to Sunday?s brawl on the bandstand end of the boulevard in which up to 300 people participated and eight were arrested.Five extra patrols will be added Friday through Sunday, according to Lt. Walter J. Hanley of the State Police barracks along the beach.?On weekdays, extra patrols will be added if the weather calls for it,” Hanley said. “This will continue for the rest of the summer.”Hanley said the police units normally add extra patrols this time of year, depending on the weather.?More patrols are being added because summer is coming,” Hanley said.However, David Procopio, director of media relations at the Massachusetts State Police, said the increased patrol – which happens every summer – is beginning earlier due to Sunday?s disturbance.?We generally try to increase our presence on the state beaches we patrol every summer, either through dedicated patrols or other strategies,” Procopio said. “We do this to set a tone, that we expect all beach visitors to enjoy the beaches peacefully, obey the law and respect other visitors around them.?This is an example of that, but we are starting a little earlier, prior to Memorial Day, because of Sunday?s disturbance,” Procopio said.Procopio said Revere Police will also increase their focus on the city neighborhoods abutting the beach, to include Shirley Avenue, Revere Street and Beach Street.Hanley added public safety for all beachgoers is their main concern.?We are there to make sure everyone can enjoy the beach and not be bothered by anyone,” Hanley said. “In the past, large groups of teens and young adults have gathered which has led to some disturbances, like the one that occurred on Sunday.”Like previous years, there?s a zero tolerance policy for illegal activities.?We will have no tolerance for serious crimes, of course, and will also enforce quality of life issues, such as public drinking, underage drinking, illicit drug use, excessive noise, fighting, etc.,” Procopio said. “As in all things, troopers utilize their discretion. Generally speaking, we will tell someone involved in a public nuisance activity to stop whatever bad behavior he or she is doing.”Procopio said failure to comply can result in a citation, summon or arrest for the involved party.The increased force is especially important on warm nights when more people are expected to be lounging on the beach.?Patrol plan begins this Friday night and then any other warm weekend nights up to Memorial Day,” Procopio said. “After Memorial Day, the increased patrol plan will be in effect every weekend night throughout the summer.”Police can?t release numbers indicative of personal strength for tactical reasons, but they provided details of which officers are likely to be present.?We will be utilizing additional uniformed troopers, plainclothes troopers and K9 units,” Procopio said.Besides public safety, police are aiming to preserve the beach?s legacy.?We are cognizant of Revere Beach?s rich history as a location where people from all over, and all walks of life, can enjoy a summer day,” Procopio said. “We want to preserve that by ensuring that the beach remains safe and peaceful for every person and family who wishes to enjoy it.”Major Arthur Sugrue, commander of Troop A of the State Police, said everyone is welcome to enjoy all state beaches and reservations, but must do so lawfully and with respect for the rights of others around them.?We will undertake a comprehensive and coordinated effort with our law enforcement partners to ensure that anyone who wants to use the beach peacefully this summer can do so without fear of unruly groups and criminal activity,” said Sugrue.