UTICA - If you plan on celebrating, following this year's St. Patrick's Day parade in Utica, extra police officers will be patrolling Varick Street.

Public Safety Commissioner Dan LaBella says the brawl that took place on Varick Street last year following the St. Patrick's Day parade played a role in the police department's decision to increase patrols following this years parade, and set a command post on the corner of Varick and Columbia Streets.

Last year bars on Varick Street were packed - some standing room only.

With the expectation that this year will be the same, LaBella said the increased patrols will serve as a proactive approach to preventing things from getting out of hand.

He said he, along with other law enforcement officials will be meeting with each and every bar owner next week to explain their procedure and warn that occupancy maximums will be enforced this year.

LaBella expects thousands of people on Varick Street following the parade, most of them drinking.

"I don't see it as a problem as long as your prepared for it," LaBella said. "It is a long day for the owners, and obviously they want as many patrons as they can to visit their establishment. So I don't foresee it as a problem. I think we have planned well enough ahead as far as the hours and the manpower who will be attending the festivities."

Because of police protocol, LaBella said that he will not release when those extra patrols will be on duty on Varick Street. However, he did say the command post will be set up for as long as the after hours festivities last.

For more information on the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Utica, check out www.uticaparade.us