While Spring Fling might mean a break for Penn students, it means extra work for Penn Police.
The Division of Public Safety plans to increase the number of officers on patrol this weekend because of the increase in guests for Fling, Capt. Gerald Leddy, special events coordinator at DPS, said. Leddy could not specify how many more officers would be deployed.
Despite this increase, Leddy said that regular deployment will remain intact.
"Fling doesn't stop other responsibilities," he said.
Philadelphia Police will be in a "supportive role" this weekend, Penn Police Chief Mark Dorsey said. "The event takes place in the Penn Patrol Zone, so Penn Police will be in charge," he said.
While this year's larger concert venue of Franklin Field will mean larger crowds and more guests from outside the University, DPS is confident that this will not be a problem.
"Franklin Field is suited for crowds" and DPS has a lot of experience with the venue, Leddy said.
The main problem that DPS is anticipating is "overconsumption of alcohol," Leddy said.
In order to "prevent negative issues before they start," Leddy said that DPS has had meetings with FlingSafe and the Social Planning and Events Committee.
Dorsey added that DPS has also has been working with the Vice Provost for University Life. In addition, AlliedBarton has been conducting bag checks outside the Quadrangle since March 20.
DPS' goal is for "everyone to enjoy and to be safe," Dorsey said. To do this, Leddy advised students to "look after each other."
"We try our very best to create a safe environment for everyone and we ask that everyone use common sense," Dorsey added.
Leddy pointed out that many students also put a lot of work into the event.
"Respect their efforts and enjoy Fling the way it is supposed to be done," he said.
