Police departments across the country are increasing security measures ahead of the Fourth of July weekend as officials work to prevent large gatherings known as "teen takeovers" from disrupting holiday celebrations.
According to Fox News, many of the events have been promoted on social media and have drawn large crowds in recent months. Authorities say some have resulted in Fights, arrests and other public safety concerns, leading departments to take action before gatherings begin.
In Falmouth, Massachusetts, police have added extra officers and are using drones to monitor beaches where large groups have gathered in previous summers, according to MassLive.
Watch:
Lt. Ryan Hergt told the outlet the department has adjusted its approach after facing challenges controlling large crowds in past years. Officers are working to break up gatherings before they become unsafe.
In Ocean City, Maryland, police stopped a planned event in June after learning through the Baltimore Police Department about a social media promotion for a "Late Night Beach Party Link Up."
According to WTOP, several people identified as organizers were arrested before the event could take place.
Greenville, North Carolina, has also taken preventive action.
Mayor P.J. Connelly issued a temporary downtown curfew for anyone under 18 after social media posts suggested another teen gathering could occur during the holiday weekend.
"Greenville Mayor P.J. Connelly has established another temporary curfew for juveniles under the age of 18 in downtown Greenville to help ensure their safety," the city said in a statement.
The city experienced a similar gathering on June 20 that led to multiple Fights downtown.
Officials also imposed a curfew the following weekend after additional online posts promoted another event.
Authorities point to previous incidents as evidence that these gatherings can quickly become dangerous.
In April, an unpermitted pop-up event on Tybee Island, Georgia, ended with gunfire, sending large crowds of teenagers running from the area.
Former prosecutor Margaret McLean said police efforts are focused on preventing violence before it begins.
"It's a big preventative measure that police are using," McLean told Fox News Digital. She said monitoring social media and pursuing criminal charges against organizers could discourage similar events.
McLean also warned that even when weapons are not involved, large crowds can create serious risks.
"People can be trampled," she said, adding that Fights can quickly escalate and innocent bystanders can suffer serious or even fatal injuries in the chaos.