The “unofficial student holiday” known locally as I-U-Patty’s goes into full swing this weekend, and Indiana Borough Police will be ready for it.
Over the past few years, unsanctioned student gatherings have taken place on campus, where many of the students get drunk, and in some cases, disorderly. While the severity of the incidents has gone down over the last few years, the Indiana Borough Police Department is ready to handle what may happen this weekend.
Police Chief William Sutton said that over the last few years, they have learned how to better handle the crowds that are expected to form. The first St. Patrick’s celebrations a few years ago did catch police by surprise, but they have been able to use the lessons from the past to better prepare them for today and for future celebrations.
Sutton said that they have reached out to the State Police, the County Sheriffs and several surrounding police agencies to assist them. The police department is also a part of the Indiana Area Collaborative Team, known as I-ACT, and that has lead to increased communication, especially between the authorities and property owners.
Patrols will be in effect throughout the weekend, but I-ACT has said that they will not hold regular news conferences as they have done during IUP’s homecoming.
