OSU PD deploys new equipment to keep football fans safe
Friday, August 31, 2012
Oklahoma State University is gearing up for another successful Cowboy football season. One of the biggest priorities for the university is creating a safe environment for football fans to enjoy the game both inside and around Boone Pickens Stadium. Heading up these efforts is the OSU Police Department and OSU Police Chief Mike Robinson said planning game day situation and strategies begins months in advance of kickoff.
The department has 31 full-time officers, but due to the increase in population during home OSU football games, officers from Stillwater and other surrounding communities plus additional law enforcement agencies like the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, FBI, and OSBI are utilized.
To further secure the stadium and campus, a command center with representatives from across the state and nation monitor the facilities with over 100 cameras in and around the stadium.
“When we become aware of a situation in a specific area, we can monitor that on video,” Robinson said. He added, compared to most of the Big 12 counterparts, this system is more elaborate and more advanced.
Other enhancements to technology and resources have also been made. OSU Police recently attained two portable Skywatch watchtowers that can be lifted to a height of 20 feet above the plaza and tailgating tents. The hydraulically powered towers will be used to monitor crowds outside Boone Pickens Stadium.
With funding provided by the Department of Homeland Security, the police department also purchased three security barricades that will be used to safely shut down Hall of Fame Ave. Previously, wooden barricades were used to secure the fans attending the block party and other pregame festivities on the north side of the stadium.
As a result of 9/11, venues the size of Boone Pickens Stadium have seen an increase of security in and around the facility. OSU officials are on alert and in communication with the Department of HomelandSecurity, the FBI Joint Terrorism Taskforce, Oklahoma Fusion Center before kick off to secure the area and to monitor incoming intel, Robinson said.
Severe weather and extreme temperatures can dampen the overall experience of the gameday atmosphere. University officials are constantly monitoring weather changes and forecasts from an on-site commandpost. In addition, OSU's environmental health and safety officers and police will be monitoring to ensure fans comply with the current statewide burn ban. The Stillwater Fire Department and OSU Emergency Management, EHS and LifeNet representatives are also on hand to assist with any health or injury issues.
“Ultimately this is about creating the best experience for football fans on game day, and that won’t be achieved if we don’t ensure they have a safe environment in which to do that,” Robinson said.
For more information on gameday safety, including stadium and tailgates guidelines, please visit http://okla.st/osusafety.