Baltimore Police are expanding their presence in the downtown entertainment hubs, including Fells Point, the Inner Harbor area and sports stadiums, to decrease crime ahead of football season and major events such as the Maryland Cycling Classic, officials announced Thursday.

The Entertainment District Unit of the Baltimore Police Department launched Aug. 10 and is active during day and evening shifts as a supplement to patrol operations, officials said in a news release.

Its responsibilities, per the news release, are to address dirt bike activity, conduct business checks, enforce parking and traffic rules, and seize illegal firearms, among other tasks to address residents’ “quality-of-life concerns.”

“The Entertainment District Unit is about more than just enforcement, it’s about creating safe, welcoming spaces where people can enjoy all the great things that Baltimore has to offer,” Police Commissioner Richard Worley said in the news release. “Through proactive policing and collaboration, we’re working to reduce crime, address quality-of-life concerns, while building stronger connections with our community and partners.”

Entertainment District Unit officers patrol Federal Hill, Fells Point, Harbor Point and the Inner Harbor area.

Officials said Entertainment District Unit officers in these areas have conducted over 1,100 business checks, issued more than 70 traffic and parking citations, made seven arrests and seized three guns.

Baltimoreans will soon spot them in Camden Yards, Canton Square, the Horseshoe Casino and M&T Bank Stadium — just in time for football season.