By Chelsea Vance
The Selma Times-Journal

The Selma Police Departments want people to have a fun but safe time while celebrating the New Year.

Police Chief John Brock says drinking and driving, celebratory gunfire and even fireworks can lead to serious consequences, even injuries and death.

“It’s going to happen, but we urge people not to fire their weapons. If a bullet is fired up in the air, it has got to come back down somewhere. Be real cautious when you start firing your guns,” Brock said.

The police chief encourages people to use common sense, even with fireworks, which technically are against city ordinance.

“Kids need to have some kind of adult supervision when they do shoot fireworks anywhere,” he said.

Brock said the department would have extra manpower over the holiday weekend, which runs Thursday through Sunday. Shift commanders will assign officers as they are needed.

“We have hired extra officers for the whole weekend. We’ve got extra people on patrol. Some of our guys will be out riding around. Clubs will be out in full force on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. So, it’s going to be a lot of activity around the downtown area,” he said.

Brock said the combination of New Year’s and the University of Alabama football game will mean plenty of parties tonight.

He advises people who drink to make sure they have a sober driver to get them home.

Anyone with any concerns about gunshots or other issues should call the police.

“Remind everyone just to be safe and use common sense in whatever activity that they are doing. Be mindful of other people,” Brock said.