EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 With Fourth of July celebrations expected to draw crowds across El Paso County this weekend, local law enforcement agencies said they are increasing safety operations and cleanup efforts. <\/p>\n
The El Paso County Sheriff\u2019s Office said during a press conference on Tuesday it will step up patrols alongside El Paso police and have more law enforcement on the ground. Authorities said the Fourth of July weekend is one of the busiest times of the year for criminal activity.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are having extra patrols out on that weekend, especially Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We will have several operations going on at our Red Sands location. Obviously that’s our biggest place that people are going to congregate, pop fireworks and have a good time,\u201d said Sgt. Eric Vela of the El Paso County Sheriff\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
El Paso police said the department will be working with other agencies as part of a coordinated effort.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere’s gonna be a unified operation with DPS,\u201d said Sgt. Javier Sambrano of the El Paso Police Department. \u201cIf they see a violation involving somebody that is possibly driving under the influence, they are gonna be stopped.”<\/p>\n
Authorities also reminded residents that popping fireworks is illegal within El Paso city limits.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, officials also outlined on Tuesday that a major focus will be the county\u2019s post-holiday cleanup initiative, including coordinated efforts by Public Works crews and community volunteers to restore areas of Montana Vista and Red Sands that are expected to be heavily impacted following July 4 festivities.<\/p>\n
County officials also plan to encourage residents to properly dispose of trash, use designated receptacles, take belongings home, and leave public and private properties cleaner than they found them. The county is expected to highlight volunteer opportunities for people who want to participate in community cleanup efforts after the holiday.<\/p>\n
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