5 arrested in connection with cross-country retail theft spree

Stores typically hire and pay for the extra officers out of their own budgets, he said. The benefit is extra security at the stores without a decrease in the services the department normally provides throughout the rest of the city.

For the most part, Powell said, Black Friday shoppers who line up hours before a store opens waiting to be the first ones in the doors don't cause many problems.

"Most everybody is there with good holiday spirit in mind," he said. "(The presence of police officers) reminds individuals to be on their best behaviors and typically alleviates people from getting carried away."

Powell said the best advice for Black Friday shoppers is to be safe-minded and plan ahead.

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