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Police Gear Up With Extra Patrols For Sunday's Ravens Game

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Ravens fans are in full swing planning their own parties for this weekend's game.

As Derek Valcourt explains, local law enforcement is making some plans for those parties too.

Local law enforcement say it is so sure the Ravens are going to win this weekend, it's going to have extra officers on duty to make sure celebrating fans don't get out of hand.

When the Ravens beat Denver in overtime last week, Ravens fans in Federal Hill were so excited they took their party to the streets.

Hundreds in the middle of the road caused traffic to back up for blocks.

And things got tense for a taxicab driver caught in the crowd when fans started pounding and even jumping on his car.

Police had to intervene to stop some of the inappropriate behavior.

Now they're promising extra officers on duty in neighborhoods like Federal Hill, Canton and Fells Point.

"We want people to come out and have a good time," said Sgt. Eric Kowalczyk, "All of the officers are going to be celebrating along with them when we do win this weekend, but we want people to do it safely, and we want people to get home safely."

Baltimore County police say they too will have extra officers patrolling in areas like downtown Towson or anywhere else where they expect high concentrations of partiers watching the game.

State police promise plenty of troopers on the highways after the win. They know a lot of people enjoy drinking while watching the game.

"If you decide to drink and drive, Maryland State Police along with other law enforcement will be out there on high alert looking for those people," said Sgt. Marc Black. "We also want to encourage other motorists.  If you see someone who has been drinking and driving or you think somebody is impaired, call 911."

Police are hoping that since the game falls on a Sunday and a lot of folks have to work the next day that might help moderate some of the celebrations.

A lot of the bars and restaurants expecting big crowds say they will be hiring their own security to work during the game.

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