Sarasota Police Step Up Patrol Near Hollywood 20

Moviegoers to the on Main Street will see increased patrols around the movie theater in light of the mass shooting at a Colorado movie theater Friday during a midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises."

officers are directed to increase their regular patrols downtown, which includes the movie theater operated by Regal Cinemas, Capt. Paul Sutton of Sarasota Police Department told Patch.

"As a supplement to the patrol officers, the Hollywood 20 Theater employees its own private security," Sutton said. "The walking beat officers, zone officer, and private security were all being used prior to the Colorado shooting."

Regal Entertainment Group issued a statement today about the tragedy.

"We are profoundly saddened by the tragedy that occurred at  Denver area theatre and are concerned for the victims and their families," the company stated. "The security and safety of our guests and staff is always our number one priority. As is our custom, we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our security needs as necessary. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families."

The would not discuss whether it was requested to provide additional security or increase patrols at movie theaters around the county showing the new Batman movie.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we do not want to discuss what is or is not being done," said Wendy Rose, a spokeswoman for the sheriff's office.

The at the is also showing the movie, and AMC released a statement from corporate headquaters in Kansas City that it is working with local law enforcement near its theaters.

"AMC Theatres is deeply saddened by the Aurora tragedy. Movie going is part of our social fabric and this senseless act shakes us to our core. We’re reinforcing our security procedures with our theatre teams, which we cannot discuss in detail for obvious, safety reasons," the company said in a statement. "Local law enforcement agencies, our landlords and their and our local security teams are stepping up nationwide to ensure we provide the safest environment possible for our guests. We couldn’t be more grateful for their collective support. 

"At this time, our show schedules circuit-wide will not change. We will not allow any guests into our theatres in costumes that make other guests feel uncomfortable and we will not permit face-covering masks or fake weapons inside our buildings.

AMC is also offering refunds or exchanges on any tickets "to ensure our guests who wish to enjoy a movie this weekend can do so with as much peace of mind as possible in these circumstances."

Do you think increased patrols are necessary? Are you concerned about security at movie theaters? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.