As Homecoming weekend approaches, police plan to crack down with more on- and off-campus security.
The State College Police Department and Penn State Police Services will be increasing coverage and working jointly to ensure the weekend's festivities are safe.
"Homecoming always increases our activity. With more people in town, there are more accommodations that need to be made," said Bill Moerschbacher, Penn State police supervisor.
In an effort to get the most out of security this weekend, the State College Police Department will assist the Penn State police wherever they are called to assist, said State College police Sgt. John Wilson.
Both departments will cover the parade, which falls under the State College police's jurisdiction, Wilson said.
The department would not release the number of officers that would be on patrol this weekend for security purposes.
"Everyone can rest assured that we have plenty of men that will be out there this weekend," Wilson said.
There are, however, a few areas that both police departments will focus on.
Moerschbacher said that because of the recent unsolved sexual assaults, they will have both foot and bike patrols traveling through and around campus, focusing on areas not easily seen from the street.
"We wanted to beef up the campus watch," he said. "We are trying to shift our attention to where we think it is needed."
Other areas that will be under heavy watch this weekend include all downtown areas, apartment complexes and fraternity houses, Wilson said.
"People come into town early and the parties start," he said. "Alcohol remains one of our top priorities to watch out for any weekend, and we are expecting there to be more alcohol-related crimes this weekend."
Moerschbacher said police try to shift their attention to where they think the party will be.
"We start patrolling early in the morning when the tailgating begins, and then move into the stadium once the game begins," Moerschbacher said.
The State College police will help work traffic control before and after the game to keep things running smoothly, Wilson said.
