MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Despite the first Backyard Brawl in eleven years being played on the road, Morgantown police still plan an increased presence back home. Chief of police Eric Powell said they will adjust shift schedules to make sure they can ensure safety for the public and officers.
“We’re overlapping shifts, so during the and the end of the game we’ll call out the midnight shift a little early,” Powell said.
Powell said the increased manpower will patrol zones in the city and could reposition as crowd levels or calls for service dictate.
“That will all be determined as things play out and we see what type of reactions we need to make to mitigate problems as they come up,” Powell said.
Alcohol consumption should be in moderation, according to Powell. He said this will be the first WVU-Pitt rivalry game in 11 years and people should understand it may seem out of the ordinary, but it is just another game.
“Sometimes when alcohol is involved it gets out of hand and people do things they normally might not do,” Powell said. “So, we ask people to enjoy the game and hopefully we’ll come out with a win.”
Fans that plan to consume alcohol should plan for a friend, taxi or ride service. Police know those options are readily available and expect revelers to take advantage of the opportunities.
“We’re not here to stifle peoples’ fun or be a wet blanket. We’re just here to make sure things are done in a safe way,” Powell said.
Powell said no matter the outcome of the game always think before you act. Powell said poor judgement can derail an academic career, cause serious injury or even death and there is no second chance.
“All that we ask is before you do things or make a bad decision take a moment and think about the decision you’re making and how it might affect you and the people around you,” Powell said.