Increased safety measures planned for downtown Santa Cruz during Halloween

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The City of Santa Cruz announced Friday that it will be instantiating a Safety Enhancement Zone downtown Santa Cruz for Halloween this year in an effort to prevent illegal activity in the area.

According to the city, in addition to the Safety Zone, there will be triple fine penalties issued to people who violate any of the city’s municipal code, which include littering, blocking pedestrian or vehicular traffic, and public alcohol consumption.

The city says that the Safety Enhancement Zone will dictate road closures and no parking areas downtown, and will begin on Thursday, October 31 at 8 a.m. through Monday, November 4 at 8 a.m.

Over 100 uniformed Santa Cruz police officers in addition to neighboring departments will staff the event, according to the city.

Additionally, the city says that officers will use proactive strategies to reduce alcohol-related problems that may lead to "inappropriate behavior" throughout the night.

The city says that they will also be enhancing lighting and portable restrooms in the downtown area.