Oct. 08--Revelers in Wrigleyville celebrating the Cubs' advancing to Wednesday night were generally well-behaved, leading to only nine misdemeanor arrests, police said.
Chicago police are expecting more crowds as playoff games continue, and will be ready even if they approach the levels of last June's Stanley Cup playoff crowds, which resulted in 25 people arrested, some on serious charges, the night the Blackhawks won the cup.
"We're there to be ambassadors and to make sure everyone's safe and can enjoy a Cubs win," said Anthony Guglielmi, chief spokesman for the Chicago Police Department.
"I don't think there's any better department in the country" prepared for events like sports playoffs, he said.
"We have a lot of resources we can dedicate" to police presence around Wrigley and other parts of the city when needed, he said.
Anyone visiting the area during the Major Leageu Baseball playoffs can expect to see a large uniformed police presence, mounted police, and other specialized equipment, including police helicopters, Guglielmi said. What people won't usually notice the plainclothes officers helping to keep order when needed who blend into the crowds.
The chief of patrol was out in Wrigleyville Wednesday night, and is expected to be on-hand for any other large crowds, Guglielmi said.
