The Madison Police Department held a press conference Wednesday outlining security and traffic plans for this weekend’s Halloween State Street blitz.
Bike racks will be removed from State Street and surrounding areas Thursday to ensure room for expected crowds. Capt. John Davenport strongly urged people not to bring items that appear dangerous or look like real weapons. These items, he said, will be confiscated.
No glass objects will be permitted on or near State Street from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on either Friday or Saturday nights. Davenport said the police department will take a “hard stance on that issue.”
Any open containers of alcohol on State Street could result in a fine.
“Public safety is our No. 1 concern,” Davenport said.
State Street, as well as several side streets, will be closed off to cars, taxis and buses on Friday and Saturday after 8:30 p.m. The alternate route will direct people coming in and out of Madison around the Capitol Square.
University officials also outlined safety precautions for students this weekend. Officials reminded students that there will be officer assistance on State Street, and 911 calls from pay phones are free.
Officials also urged students to carry photo identification and make sure guests carry their host’s address and phone number.
“Be sure your friends have ‘got your back,’ and that you’ve got theirs,” said Dean of Students Luoluo Hong.
The newest safety measure, or a diversion from riots, is a musical event called Killer Party 2003, hosted by Madtown Events, LLC. A stage will be set up in Library Mall featuring several bands as well as costume contests, a pumpkin-carving contest and raffles with over $3500 in merchandise donated by local merchants.
City officials said they hope Killer Party will help spread out the expected 50,000 to 60,000 people on State Street Saturday night.
Will Komassa, promotions director and co-founder of Madtown Events, said Killer Party has dual purposes.
“One is to have a lot of fun. There hasn’t been any organized activity on State Street for Halloween…[and it] gives people something to look and listen to.”
According to Komassa, the police will play an integral part in keeping crowds under control.
The police department has planned far in advance for the upcoming weekend. No police officers were allowed to take vacation time so that the department would be ensured the increased security and support, if needed.
The economic impact of the increased number of police officers on duty is expected to be half the amount as last year. Last year’s cost ranged from $74,000 to $80,000. This year the expected cost is $35,000.
Madison Police Department officials said they will take a proactive response this weekend in order to address disorderly behavior quickly. This stance will allow police officers to monitor larger crowds.
At the press conference, Madison mayor Dave Cieslewicz said while Halloween is “really a great community event,” he recognized that planning for this weekend has been a collaborative effort on the part of the Madison Police Department, City Council president Mike Verveer, Sue Bauman and countless others.
“This is part of the rhythms of life in Madison,” Cieslewicz said. “[Halloween is] part of what we do in Madison; it is part of the community.”
For more information on alternate routes go to www.ci.madison.wi.us/metro/2003/Detours/Halloween.htm. Killer Party events can be found on www.madisonhalloween.com.
