DPS to Increase Halloween Security on Campus
As parties, raves and other Halloween events haunt the USC campus this weekend, the Department of Public Safety is taking extra measures to ensure the safety of students and property.
DPS Captain Steve Alegre gave tips on how to stay safe for the upcoming weekend: walk in groups, be alert of surroundings, pay attention to other people walking around and don't be preoccupied by cell phones or iPods.
DPS will be increasing security measures, including more officers on patrol.
"[The officers] are hypervigilant in their patrol tactics so that they are aware of where activities are going on and where the parties are going to be," Alegre said. "They pay particular attention to those areas so we've got a large DPS presence there."
Besides being close to areas of activity to ensure a quick response time, DPS officers hope that their mere presence will prevent anything from happening at all.
Alegre said a main concern is not with those who live on campus or around USC such as on the Row, but non-USC students who may come to "participate in parties or target students for crimes."
Ten thousant people are expected to attend HARD Haunted Mansion, a two-day electronic music festival held at the Shrine Auditorium.
DPS plans to open parking structures for these attendees. Officer patrols will also be increased to help prevent theft from vehicles and ensure safety on paths likely to be taken to the Shrine.
Alegre also stressed the importance of taking measures to stay safe because of possible identification problems if something were to occur. "Be aware of the fact that when everyone is out there walking around with costumes, people with ill will, possibly someone who might want to commit a robbery or some sort of a crime on the street may also be wearing a costume."
