There may be more than a few people you shouldn't offer a beer to this weekend.
In response to the increased number of students on and around campus this weekend, Penn Police will similarly raise the number of officers on the streets, said Capt. Gerald Leddy, special events coordinator at Penn's Division of Public Safety.
Penn Police Chief Mark Dorsey would not specify the exact number of extra officers who will be in force for Fling but said their deployment would correspond with the areas where police expect the most activity - at official Fling events in the Quadrangle and in neighborhoods where unofficial parties occur.
"We respond to the conditions," Dorsey said.
He added that DPS is also coordinating with the Philadelphia Police and SEPTA Police, "heightening communication and sharing of intelligence and deployment information" in preparation for Fling.
But the extra resources devoted to Fling will not detract from regular police coverage, Dorsey said.
"We're still servicing the entire community as we do on any other day," he said.
Most incidents that the police deal with over Fling weekend involve intoxication, Dorsey said, which is often a factor in disturbances such as disorderly crowds or fights.
He said he hoped that "the visible police presence will deter these types of activities."
Leddy added that preventative measures, such as the bag checks that have been taking place at Quad entrances since April 2, will hopefully "curtail some of the alcohol abuse" and prevent underage drinking.
But Dorsey said Fling weekend is "generally handled well" due to student cooperation.
"We just hope that people are reasonable and responsible," he said.
Dorsey advised students to "stay in groups" and use the escort services 898-WALK and 898-RIDE, especially in the early-morning hours.
Leddy added that students should be mindful of the consequences of their actions.
"A little mistake can have big repercussions," he said.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.