Pasadena Police Announce 45 Arrests during New Year’s Celebrations

Pasadena Police announced today that 45 arrests were made during the operational period of 5:00 p.m. on December 31st through 5:00 a.m. on January 1st, 3 more than the same period last year. All 45 were adults.

The majority of arrests, 39, were for public intoxication, 3 for driving without a license, 1 for interfering with a peace officer, 1 for battery, and 1 for a municipal code violation, police report.

“Overall, given the number of people, the length of time and the typical revelry that is associated with New Years celebrations, we are pleased that the numbers are so low,”  police spokesperson Janet Pope Givens said.

Givens says one contributing factor was the Parade Watch crime prevention program. Almost 500 motor home and RV operators were contacted through Parade Watch in the three days leading up to the Parade, she said. Parade Watch has proven to be highly successful in soliciting the help of the “temporary neighborhoods” along the parade route.

Originally started in the aftermath of the World Trade Center bombings in 2001, it has since become a fixed operation and collaborative effort of the police department and the community.

“We believe that the community’s willingness to be involved is a contributing factor in keeping arrest numbers low,” said Givens.