With huge crowds at Silver Beach for Independence Day this week, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department tells us peace was maintained. Sheriff Paul Bailey says several police agencies had a large number of officers at the beach from 9 a.m. through the end of the fireworks show.
“It was a combined effort with the sheriff’s office, with St. Joe Public Safety, and Michigan State Police,” Bailey said.
We asked Bailey how many officers were at the beach, and he simply told us “a lot.”
“They’re there visible and walking, or riding on one of our four-wheelers,” Bailey said.
Bailey says 13 citations were issued for alcohol violations. One citation was issued for loud music. Bailey notes if police catch you at Silver Beach with booze, they’ll give you a ticket and make you leave. You aren’t allowed back until the next day. Bailey estimates as many as 9,000 people went to Silver Beach for the Fourth.
