Arrests and charges are down and more police have hit the beat as the high-visibility blitz for festival continues.

Forward police commander of the festival, Chief Inspector Peter Atkins told the Leader there had been a handful of people charged for offences.

“It’s going very well, we’re very, very happy with the behaviour of the crowd so far,” he said on Friday afternoon.

“There has been a few minor arrests but nothing of any concern.”

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As part of the festival force, officers are in golf buggies, on trail bikes, push bikes, on foot – both plain clothes and uniform – and in police cars. Licensing police have also been busy keeping an eye on the venues.

“We’ve got two days to go, and the high-visibility operation will continue for the next few days and nights,” Chief Inspector Atkins said.

“We’ve got a lot of visiting police and they’re really enjoying the work.

“We have highway patrol visiting doing a lot of RBT and RDT; two trail bikes trailing campgrounds and the CBD; push bikes in town; officers on foot; OSG which is our crowd control riot squad and the dog squad as well as licensing police officers from Oxley and Western Region.

“Police have engaged in the spirit of the festival.

“There has been low-levels of non-compliance, and it’s very pleasing for police to see people enjoying the festival in the correct manner.”

The anecdotal reports from officers have been good, and the Leader has snapped officers all over the festival, mixing with crowds. One happy reveller even praised the dancing cop who let loose in Bicentennial Park, much to the delight of festival-goers.

Double demerits are in force until Monday night and festival-goers are urged to re-hydrate in the heat and not go over the limit on Saturday.

“In the warm weather, make sure you have a plan to get home, don’t drink and drive, there is plenty of transport to get home and around ad just enjoy the festival, safely,” Chief Inspector Atkins said.