Despite 14 weekend arrests, IUPD notices Homecoming goodwill

IU Police Department reports show at least 14 arrests during tailgating for this weekend's Homecoming game against the University of Illinois. Though this represents the highest number of arrests at tailgating this year, Lt. Jerry Minger of IUPD said the game brought out the best in people. \n"There wasn't an overall rowdiness," Minger said. "We didn't have any critical accidents or critical calls."\nMost of the arrests were for illegal possession and consumption of alcohol, meaning individuals under 21 were caught with alcoholic beverages. There were also three arrests for indecent exposure. In these cases, officers caught people urinating in public, a situation Minger called "unfortunate" because there might not have been enough portable toilets available.\n"That's always a problem. We'd rather people just go in private somewhere," Minger said. "It forces somebody into a situation they otherwise would not have gotten into."\nBeyond these arrests, Minger said he noticed people in a pleasant mood. \nHalfway through the fourth quarter, officers usually position themselves in the streets to be prepared for the traffic of departing fans. Minger said police were "puzzled" when the streets remained quiet during this time.\n"No one left. Well after half an hour after the game was over, the (parking) lots were still a half, three-quarters of the way full," he said.\n"They were hanging around their cars, grilling, partying. It was more of a festive atmosphere," Minger said. "People were relishing in the win for Homecoming."\nMinger said there is clearly a different feeling at the football games this year and he said he believes it is largely because of the team and football coach Terry Hoeppner.\n"This pervasive common spirit that coach Hep has interjected into the community, I haven't seen that for 30 years," said Minger. "People are starting to feel it"