Police presence, punishments will be heightened during Little 500 week

As the week of Little 500 festivities kicks off, here’s what you need to know about the law enforcement on campus.

Who exactly will be on campus?
The police will be in high visibility all week, including IUPD and the Bloomington Police Department.

Additionally, there will be Monroe County sheriffs, Indiana State Police and the Indiana State Excise Police.

Heightened patrolling began last week and will last through the race.

What should I do if the police approach me?
Don’t draw attention to yourself to avoid being approached by police, IU Police Chief Keith Cash said.

If an officer does approach you, just be calm and respectful.

What happens if i get a ticket?
There will be two remote booking locations — one at the IUPD station and the other at the BPD station — to speed up the process of jail bookings.

Cash said the most common charges during Little 500 are public intoxication and drinking tickets.

The Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office has a Sunday court at 8 a.m. April 17 for the pretrial of those who get a minor alcohol or marijuana charge this week.

Those who go to the pretrial have charges that are not combined with a misdemeanor, such as driving under the influence or damaging property, Cash said.

What could the punishments be?
Sunday court allows for all of the pretrial items to be done in one weekend, which is convenient for out-of-town students and guests. 

Most charges include a fine, community service and an alcohol information class.

Cash added that if the person gets in trouble once more within a year, the charges could be brought up again.