Boston area prepares for possible sweep by Sox tonight

[therock1811]

http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/B58116/
Colleges Gear Up For Red Sox Disturbances
PLYMOUTH, N.H. -- Colleges around the state geared up for possible crowd-control problems and disturbances as the Red Sox prepared for a possible four-game sweep over the Cardinals in the World Series.

Hundreds of police mobilized in the college towns of Plymouth, Durham and Keene on Wednesday to contain post-game revelers should the Sox sweep the Series.

Durham and Plymouth police, who have contended with the state's most unruly post-game celebrations in the past two years, said preventing groups of revelers from becoming mobs will be crucial.

"Addressing groups that are forming up is key," said Plymouth Police Capt. Steven Temperino before Wednesday's game. "Letting them know that police are attentive to the issue, and responding accordingly, is extremely important."

Authorities in Plymouth arrested more than 15 people last week as about 800 Plymouth State University students set fires, exploded firecrackers and threw bottles after the Sox defeated the Yankees to earn a World Series spot.

PSU officials said at least five students have been suspended and several also could be expelled.

Police in Durham had better success last week controlling a crowd of about 2,000 as University of New Hampshire students poured off campus after the Red Sox victory.

Police kept groups fans off streets and on sidewalks while working to keep revelers moving. Durham Police Chief Dave Kurz said the tactic prevented knots of fans from reaching the "tipping point" of a "mob mentality," yielding hefty improvements over last year's post-game situations.

In 2003, about 2,500 people rushed onto Durham's streets after the Red Sox lost a playoff game to the Yankees in 2003. Students and others aimed bottles, rocks and paintball guns at police.

Police used pepper spray, riot gear and horse patrols to control crowds. Seven people, including six students, were arrested. A similar incident the spring of 2003 led to 87 arrests when UNH lost the national hockey title.

"We unfortunately have a lot of experience in planning for these things," Kurz said. "Our goal is to recognize that there is going to be some celebrating after these things. The problem is celebrating and venting often look like the same thing."

Durham's Police Department numbers about 20 officers, Plymouth's about 10. Officials said they expect about 50 to 60 state troopers to augment each department's officers. Other law-enforcement agencies also traditionally augment local police after large sports events.

Officials said about 15 state troopers will augment local police forces in Keene. Keene State College spokesman David Orsman said about 1,000 students celebrated there last week, resulting in two suspensions but no arrests.

Spokespeople at all three schools said their organizations have representatives who can issue on-the-spot-suspensions to students if their behavior gets unruly.

PSU also is offered a game-watching party at the student union to complement this week's security. Spokeswoman Betsy Cheney said students will be able to watch the World Series on big-screen televisions, get food and participate in raffles and games. She said the activities ideally will keep students on campus and prevent them from leaving as a group after the game ends.

"It's going to expand throughout the post-game," she said. "The goal of that is to break up the student dispersal a little bit."

Student activity fees are funding the party, she said. (AP)

[tronbunny]

Lord.....Please don't riot up there.
It gives us transplants a bad image.
I'll be durn happy about breaking the curse, but no need to do damage!!!!

[Skywatch_NC]

Especially after that female college student who died after being hit in the face by a rubber bullet!!

Eric

[therock1811]

Agreed 100% Like I said in the sports forum, I want to see the Sox win but not riots. No way.