Security remains increased during Little 500 weekend

Little 500 weekend typically has an increased police presence on campus. Police cars are doubled up on Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday morning, IU Police Department Lt. William Munroe said. More officers on duty, as well.

“No one takes the day off,” Munroe said. “Everybody works.”

IUPD also coordinates efforts with IU Student Foundation, Emergency Management, Event Services and other campus groups.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Curt Durnil said in an email there will be anywhere from 15 to 18 troopers working at the Little 500 and the surrounding areas on Friday and Saturday.

The explosions at the Boston Marathon finish line Monday have not directly affected IUPD’s planning for Little 500 since they typically increase security for the week, Munroe said.

ISP is also typically vigilant during Little 500 events, but Durnil said they will be particularly prepared this weekend.

“It would be fair to say that ISP will be on ‘heightened awareness’ due to the events in Boston earlier this week,” Durnil said. “We will be in constant contact with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, sharing and receiving information that could help keep folks safe. We will still be as vigilant as years past in ensuring a safe weekend for all those who participate in Little 500 activities this weekend.”

Munroe said if any attendee noted something out of the ordinary that he or she should immediately inform an officer.

“We ask that people attending these events, such as Little Five, basketball, concerts ... if you see something, say something,” he said. “Contact the nearest police officer, and we can check it out.”

Durnil said the best advice he could give students was to take care of one another and be aware of Indiana state laws.

“Please remember, almost all criminal violations cited over previous Little 500 weekends have been due to the violator calling undue attention to themselves,” Durnil said.

What happens if you get a drinking ticket?

Summoned to Court
If you receive a citation or are taken to jail during the week, you will be summoned to court at 8:30 a.m. Sunday at the Monroe County Justice Building.

According to the Monroe County website, pre-trial diversion may be offered to defendants without significant prior criminal records who have been charged with certain offenses, such as public intoxication or illegal consumption or possession of an alcoholic beverage.  Pre-trial diversion allows one who is eligible to avoid a criminal conviction on his or her record. There is no application process for pre-trial diversion.

Pre-trial diversion may be offered depending on the charges, the circumstances and one’s prior criminal record after the prosecutor’s office reviews the reports.

Regardless, you must attend this initial court date, even if you think you are eligible for pre-trial diversion.

After the Summons
On Sunday, you will be required to complete a half-day of road crew work, cleaning up trash from Little 500. You will also have to participate in an alcohol education class that same day from 5-9 p.m. Bring $425 cash or $440.50 if paying by check or credit to pay associated fees.

Warning
 If you fail to appear, a warrant will be issued for your arrest.
This information will be provided to anyone who receives a citation, Munroe said.
This information was provided by Lt. William Munroe and Monroe County website.

—Kathryn Moody and Matthew Glowicki