Police departments plan football security
MUPD and CPD work together to monitor games.
Published Sept. 4, 2009
The security for upcoming MU football games is the product of MU Police Department's months of planning and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies.
"This doesn't just start happening right before (football season)," MUPD Capt. Brian Weimer said. "There are discussions that go on even throughout the summer."
Although MUPD provides the law enforcement function at the games, Weimer said other organizations assist MUPD by providing additional staff to ensure an adequate police presence due to the size of the crowds.
Weimer also said they're working with other law enforcement agencies, such as the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the county and the city, to make sure they are able to meet law enforcement needs for upcoming games.
This means an extra eight to 10 officers from the Columbia Police Department working traffic detail. Some of these officers stay near the stadium and others monitor congestion-prone intersections in Columbia, CPD spokeswoman Jessie Haden said.
"What we'll do is not necessarily just assist right there near the stadium but all along North Providence that feeds up to I-70 and also at Highway 63," she said.
In addition to monitoring traffic, Haden said the CPD would be looking for drunk driving, though the large police presence may serve as a preventative measure by making people more aware of their alcohol intake.
As for security during the games, the 33 MUPD officers present will be looking to stomp out any potentially dangerous behavior. This task includes confiscating alcohol, removing people from the games and even issuing trespass warnings. MUPD is also prepared to enforce laws concerning underage drinking.
"If alcohol is causing a problem or people are causing a problem then they may have to be removed from the area," Weimer said.
This is good news to MU freshman Alexis Lyle.
"I hope they get rid of really intoxicated people. They're really irritating when you're watching the game," she said.
Outside of the stadium, MUPD officers will be monitoring parking areas to watch for any thefts. Weimer said they have had theft crimes reported in the past of items left lying around.
Although theft is a rarity in crowds this size, MUPD still takes anti-theft precautions and Weimer said he advises game attendees to do the same.
"We try to provide officers that are checking on the areas. We try to remind people to secure their stuff when they're going into games," he said.
Weimer said though he sees no increase in security violations during winning games, late games might be more problematic for MUPD due to large crowds occupying the area for an extended period of time.
By taking these precautions, Weimer said the goal of the department is to make sure everyone has a safe, enjoyable time.