University of Mississippi students can expect to see University Police Department officers at this weekend’s three-game home baseball series against the University of Central Florida. After rumors of numerous student arrests swirled during the first four home games, many were left wondering if last week’s incidents would become a habitual pattern throughout the season.
“We are pretty much there to provide security and safety for the fans and visitors,” UPD Captain of Field Operations Michael Harmon said.
Harmon went on to clarify that often times, students and citizens confuse alcohol regulations at baseball games because the baseball field is technically off campus. However, since the games are a university event, UPD is in charge of security.
Regarding the rumor of UPD giving out minor in possessions at the first games of the season, Harmon said an officer did give out an MIP.
“I think that was more like an isolated incident, but we did give an MIP for the first game,” Harmon said.
Harmon said he is aware of the alcohol at the baseball games, but it is how people act that security is more concerned with.
“We know students come in and have a good time. We want right field to be packed,” Harmon said. “We’re going to police the behavior.”
Because there are so many students and fans that come to the baseball games, UPD will not check every cooler. Should an officer see beer openly in its container, they will deal with the specific issue, according to Harmon.
Harmon said baseball games are similar to the Grove in that because so many people are drinking in one area, UPD only has time to deal with those who are causing a scene.
“We don’t have the man power to deal with the public drunks,” Harmon said. “Because we’d be locking up probably 30,000-40,000 people.”
For security procedures, Harmon said they have a detail for each game. There are at least four or five officers who work SEC games and three or four who work non-SEC games.
All areas of the field are patrolled by both UPD officers and members of the Event Operation Group.
Timothy Perkins, an Event Operation Group staff member, said his job at the baseball games is to check and make sure there are not any glass bottles or other objects that could potentially harm someone.
“We try to keep everything out that might hurt someone,” Perkins said.
Perkins said he enjoys the crowd and its fans because they are not too rowdy and seem to know how to behave.
Agreeing with Perkins, Harmon said it is very rare for problems to occur in the stadium because it seems there is a mutual understanding of how to behave.
Sophomore accountancy major Derrick Bradford believes baseball games are some of the more popular events at the university for the students.
“Everyone has their own area, nobody really gets in trouble or misbehaves,” Bradford said. “It’s just a good time for everyone.”
Bradford also believes that having UPD and security at games is important because they have the ability to intervene if anyone gets out of line.
“They play just enough of a role to keep everybody in check,” Bradford said.
Harmon said he enjoys the camaraderie of the baseball fans and the enthusiasm that they bring to the stadium. He encourages everyone to be mindful of their actions.
“Come and have a good time, cheer on our baseball team,” Harmon said. “Whatever you do, do it responsibly and have respect.”
— Logan Kirkland
ltkirkla@go.olemiss.edu
