Columbia, SC (WLTX) - The St. Patrick's Day celebration went off without any major incidents last year, but in the midst of two recent shootings in the 5 Points area, law enforcement says it's safe.
It's that time of the year when everyone is wearing green, having a good time and enjoying the occasional green beer.
Recent crimes in Five Points and thousands of people planning to celebrate the holiday this weekend WLTX asked the Columbia Police Department if people should be concerned about safety.
"I am bringing my family down here, I have no doubt that the level of presence that we have here will protect the level of protection that we need here," said officer Jim Crawford.
Crawford patrols Five Points and he says the 75 officers that will be patrolling the area isn't to deter people from having a good time, but it is to make sure that if crime does happen they will be prepared.
"Our goal is to make sure everyone is safe. I always say, there is nothing wrong with drinking and having a good time, just make sure you are doing it in a safe and responsible manner and don't drive, that is the number one thing that I tell people, don't drink and drive," said Crawford.
Statewide Security Systems has installed 100 eyes in the sky to make sure that you are safe.
"If something does happen in Five Points, whether someone is driving through or walking through, if there is an incident the odds are extremely high that it will be caught on camera," said Carey Shealy with Statewide Security.
Shealy says just this month they installed 20 more cameras. His staff will work around the clock this weekend just in case law enforcement needs their assistance.
"All of our staff will be on call just like last year if they need to assist CPD, but there weren't any problems last year and we expect that there won't be any problems this year."