ATLANTA,None — A large police presence in downtown Atlanta seemed to calm the crowds at this weekend's Freaknik events, Channel 2's Darren Lyn reported.
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Police have reported no major problems with this year's event, Lyn said. On Monday, police said they would release the total number of arrests made over the weekend.
"That was our obligation and that's our charge as the Atlanta Police Department to make sure that people can come into the city and be safe," said George Turner, APD Interim Police Chief.
The Atlanta mayor's office said they anticipated spending between $250,000 to $300,000 for police patrols for Freaknik. A final dollar figure is expected in a few days.
"I have no more important obligation than keeping the citizens of Atlanta safe, and I think we took the appropriate steps to do so," said Mayor Kasim Reed.
Lyn spoke with some Freaknik participants about the event. Some told him that the large amount of police presence made them feel safe. Others told Lyn that the police presence ruined the party atmosphere.
"It was nothing bad about it, 'cause they just around in case somebody wanted to get stupid," said Freaknik attendee, Victoria Price.
"We're out here for Freaknik 2010," said Josh Matthews, Freaknik attendee. "My buddy gave me a new word though, he called it ‘Copnik.' I'm calling it that."
WSBTV
