JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Red and blue lights have become a common sight on weekend nights in Jacksonville's Five Points.
The increased police presence came after an incident where people crowded cars with some even jumping on police cars.
"We've gotten complaints from business owners where there is, I hate to use the word, but mob-like activity goin on down there," said JSO Patrol Chief Jamie Eason.
Eason says the department was getting regular complaints about that "mob-like" activity in Five Points on weekends from business owners and people living in the area.
"They were using furniture off some of the bars, throwing it, using it as missiles," said Eason. "Loud activity and they were surrounding police cars when they were down there, they were jumping on police cars. It was out of control and something we had to get control over."
Initially, JSO only had four patrols in the area.
"Four officers trying to control a thousand people, it's just too highly dangerous," said Eason.
Eason says they've made 33 arrests including 22 felonies and seized 14 fire arms and four vehicles since increasing the patrols a few months ago.
Corner Taco Assistant Manager Jacob Mateuska says the increased police has been a bit of a catch-22.
"It's added security, which, you know it's nice to have staff leave at night and not have to worry about it, but I have noticed how it does decrease the foot traffic around here," said Mateuska.
Now that the department feels like it has regained control of the area, Eason says they're starting to taper off a bit to find a happy medium.
For one night life fan, the added police won't keep from a night on the town.
"I'm not doing anything wrong, just hanging out," said T-Baby. "If I was doing something wrong, then I would feel uncomfortable, but I'm not doing anything wrong, so it's okay with me."
Eason says, going forward, folks can expect to see more police not only in Five Points, but all around downtown and in San Marco on weekend nights when people are going out thanks to a recent realignment of the department's patrol units.
For Five Points in particular, she says that means more bicycle officers.
However, she said closing Park Street on weekend nights is only a temporary measure.