Security boosted for Little 500

The cream and crimson of the Little 500 may be diluted by the black and blue of police presence this weekend. The IU Student Foundation has taken steps to make sure all spectators are well-behaved and protected by requesting additional police presence at this weekend's events.\nBloomington Police Department will send 16 uniformed officers to assist the IUPD's 16 officers. In all, the police presence will double the police allotment originally expected.\nIUPD Lt. Jerry Minger said IUSF requested increased police presence for this weekend's events to assure that events run smoothly.\n"It's not unusual for an organizing body to request a given number of police," Minger said. "If it takes more police presence for event organizers to feel comfortable, we are happy to oblige."\nMinger said the police presence this weekend will primarily focus on the safety and security of people attending each Little 500 event.\nMinger advises students to be responsible this weekend.\n"Because there is a lot of pressure from peers to become inebriated, visitors need to realize if they come out in public inebriated they stand a great risk of getting arrested," Minger said. "There will be an abundance of uniformed police available to secure certain situations."\nAs for the issue of Team Major Taylor rider Josh Weir participating in the race, Minger does not anticipate any related problems. Weir had competed with some of the best riders internationally, holding a Category 3 license from the U.S. Cycling Federation, and was the focus of a rider protest Tuesday.\n"Of course we always watch for issues like this, but for now we don't anticipate any problems," Minger said. "From what we can tell it seems to be more of a rider than student issue."\nMinger said police officers do not go into public with the goal of arresting people, but they would be remiss in their duties if they ignored certain actions which presented a danger to themselves or someone else.\nIn the early 1990s, student actions pertaining to Little 500 turned violent and police had to step in and take control -- a problem IUPD and BPD haven't had to deal with in recent years.\n"Things have been better the last few years," Bloomington Police Sergeant Bill Parker said. "We haven't had to send officers into violent situations since the early '90s; I credit the students for realizing it just wasn't worth it."\nAs a former IU student, Parker recalled the fun he had at the race and related events, and doesn't want students to think the police are against good times.\n"A lot of officers are former IU students and I think everyone remembers what it is like to be a student and have some fun," Parker said. "We just have to suggest that people try to control how much they drink and control themselves in public."\nParker also suggested students and partygoers manage alcohol intake.\n"Don't go out and drink and try to cause problems in public," Parker said. "This is what will trigger a police response."\nIU spokesman Bill Stephan said IUSF is trying to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all those attending the race.\n"The goal is to make sure we have an event that everyone can enjoy," Stephan said. "Excessive use of alcohol has affected past events and was factored in when considering how this event would be run."\nWith the good nature of the race and its proceeds, some of which will benefit victims of Sept. 11, Stephan said he anticipates an enjoyable event.\n"I'm encouraged because there are a lot of participants and others who want this event to go successfully," Stephan said. "Of course there could be unruly behavior, but we'll hope for the best and count on our students to rise to the occasion"