Mobile Field Force Preparing to Keep Savannah Safe - WSAV: News, Weather, and Sports for Savannah, GA

St. Patrick's Day is all about tradition and fun, but what happens if the crowd gets out of hand?
 
Savannah-Chatham Metro Police are taking no chances in case this year the mood and crowd take a turn for the worse.

That's where the Savannah-Chatham Police's mobile field force comes in, and why they start preparing long before the holiday.

"We are trying to reach as many different senses as we can at one time because some people may not be able to hear us as well, some people may not see as well, but a combination of things we hope gets through to everybody," explains Savannah-Chatham Police Lt Harry Trawick. "If we lose control of the crowd. If there's a riot situation. A stampede of people. This is what we will do to bring things under control as quickly as possible."

The possibility of needing this many officers, this cadre of men, women and horses together may be slim, but no one is willing to take the chance.

"If you see us, it has come down to the worst case scenario," said Trawick. "For St. Patrick's Day we've never had to break this gear out. If we do that then that means we've really lost control and that's something we try hard never to do."

What they are doing is preparing. Each movement is focused, directed, with a purpose.

"Very simple repetitive motions," said Trawick. "Very simple formations which is how we protect ourselves, how we move people. The idea is that 30,40,50,60 people should be able to control 10,000-12,000 people if they are disciplined. If they stick together."

Together as one. A small group with a big job. Keeping the city safe when no one else can.  Hours of training this day which can make a difference when chaos comes.

While today's focus was St. Patrick's Day, these officers are ready for every possibility.  

It's training that started when the G8 came to savannah and continues year round, because you never know if or when it may be needed.