NSW Police have commended the behaviour of crowds attending New Year's Eve celebrations across Sydney.
Operation New Year's Eve 2019 commenced yesterday (Tuesday 31 December 2019), as significant crowds converged on the Sydney Harbour foreshore and at events across the state.
General duties officers from Police Area Commands across NSW were assisted by specialist units including the Public Order & Riot Squad, Police Transport Command, Operations Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Licensing Police, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Marine Area Command and PolAir, throughout the operation.
While there were a few exceptions, the majority of people were well-behaved and enjoyed their celebrations safely and responsibly.
Several vantage points around the city were at capacity by late-afternoon, as revellers travelled into the city and foreshore areas ahead of the 9.15pm and midnight fireworks displays.
Eight people were charged with various offences, including assault police, resist police, assault, offensive behaviour.
The strong winds meant officers from Marina Area Command had a busy evening on the Harbour, assisting a number of groups out on the water, including an overturned vessel at Taylors Bay. Four people were pulled from the water and taken to safety.
Metropolitan Field Operations and Operation New Year's Eve 2019 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing APM, said police responded to a number of minor incidents throughout the operation; however, on the whole were pleased with the attitude and behaviour from members of the public.
"Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations are widely considered among the best in the world, so it was great to see everyone in the city last night living up to that reputation and acting responsibly," Assistant Commissioner Willing said.
"The fact that there were only a few reports of alcohol-related violence is a true reflection of how well-behaved the crowds were.
"Some vantage points were at capacity by the afternoon and despite some initial difficult weather conditions, Sydney, as usual, brought in the new year in spectacular fashion.
"For those continuing celebrations into the morning, our officers will maintain a highly-visible presence across the state to ensure all revellers make it home safely.
"Remember that alcohol affects your ability to assess risks and make responsible decisions, so please take care of one another and think about the consequences of your actions," Assistant Commissioner Willing said.
Assistant Commissioner Willing said police were pleased with the patience of crowds as they made their way home following the fireworks.
"New Year's Eve really is a night of celebrations, and as people left the city, they remained in high spirits and handled the consequences of being in a large crowd very well.
"Once again, Sydney celebrated the start to a new year with a sensational fireworks display, and for the vast majority, 2019 was celebrated safely," Assistant Commissioner Willing said.
