Officials meet to discuss lighting the square in 2024 following the Halloween incident

COVINGTON, Ga. – Covington city officials met Nov. 4 to discuss how the city could implement increased safety measures at this year’s plaza lighting.

The annual event, just weeks away, had some uncertainty surrounding it due to another eventful night at the square on Halloween. Although there was no planned event at the square, this was the second time incidents had occurred on a holiday this year, the first case occurring on July 4th.

According to Covington Police Department (CPD) Chief Philip Bradford, there are measures in place to be proactive rather than reactive. There are currently plans to add more high-resolution cameras with pan, tilt and zoom functions. Bradford also said there are plans to illuminate areas of the plaza that may be poorly lit or where there may be problems.

Another additional element of the city’s plan is to increase the number of officers present. While about 30 CPD officers were on the scene on Halloween, Bradford said about 35 to 40 officers are planned to be on site this time.

Bradford also mentioned that he has contacted Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) about hiring additional deputies. Ultimately, Bradford said he also expects increased assistance from the NCSO, but he doesn’t know an exact number at this time.

Regardless of the number of officers deployed, Bradford admitted he knew it would likely not be enough to completely deter criminal activity.

“We need more people,” Bradford said. “Because … my point all along is that there are too many people up there when we have these events … I feel like I could put 100 officers up there and there will still be that group that wants to do something .”

Both Bradford Mayor and Covington Mayor Fleeta Baggett emphasized that there is a complete plan, but would not tell the public what the complete plan is.

“I don’t want to sit up here and say what our entire plan is going to be,” Bradford said. “Because then they plan according to your plan.”

Baggett added: “What we’re trying to do tonight is where are we going to put the additional lighting, where are we going to put the additional surveillance equipment and who’s going to be where.” And no, we’re not going to tell everything just because there might be some listen.”

While the majority of city officials in attendance were confident in the city’s plan, some in the crowd felt it wasn’t enough.

This included Jennifer Hartman, owner of The Social Goat Tavern. Hartman – who clashed with Baggett many times during the meeting – was critical of the police response in previous incidents and hoped something would change this time.

“This is not about an event. It’s not about how many people are on the square. This isn’t about fireworks. “These are strictly unruly kids,” Hartman said. “If we as a police force don’t engage with these children, they will keep coming back.”

Hartman also believed that the city must charge the parents of those who violate the rules, which is possible under certain circumstances, as city attorney Frank Turner Jr. made clear.

Hartman was supported by Julie Freeman, owner of @Local Coffee House and Study Lounge, who shared a similar sentiment. Freeman felt that in both incidents the city did not do enough to communicate with its residents and merchants, which could help identify some of those causing trouble.

“If you want to know who they are so you can punish them, you have to make them visible,” Freeman said. “You have to publish the video. You need to make a statement.”

Mystic Grill owner Angi Beszborn described her Halloween experience as “terrible” for all the wrong reasons. Surveillance videos played during the work session showed many frightened visitors fleeing the square after one of the Halloween incidents.

“I have been on the square since January, that will be 11 years. I’ve never had a problem like this,” Beszborn said. “It was terrible. It was absolutely terrible.”

While Beszborn said she doesn’t blame the police, she hoped there could be more support for local businesses in the future.

When it came to council members, many of them agreed that more should be done for those who compromise the safety of mass gatherings.

“I completely agree that there are no further warnings,” Councilman Jared Rutberg said. “Just give them a ticket, okay, whatever we’re legally allowed to do.”

“I think we just need to send a strong message,” Councilman Travis Moore said. “I’ll clean it up for you, Mayor. ‘Fuck around and figure it out.’ That’s what needs to be taught to these kids.”

“Times are different. What gives people joy is morbid and completely different. And I don’t think that’s going to change unless we impose harsh penalties,” said Council Member Kim Johnson. “I agree with Jennifer about the tickets. I think parents need to get a ticket [and] A ticket must be issued for children.”

This year’s lighting of the square will take place on Thursday, November 21st. The City of Covington is advertising the event as 6 to 7 p.m., with vehicle traffic on the plaza closing at 4 p.m. Last year the event had around 21,000 visitors, a record number of visitors. This year’s event is expected to have a good chance of surpassing last year’s.