Cami Anderson
East Lansing Police Department patrol car parked at the stationIt’s that time of the year when Michigan State University Spartans are feeling lucky. St. Patrick’s Day is a highly celebrated holiday among students, no matter what day of the week it falls on. The extravagant plans and celebrations all day ensure a great time for students, but also raise safety concerns. This is where the East Lansing Police Department comes in.
Lt. Chad Pride said officers would work additional time besides their patrol shifts.
“There will be seven to eight officers on duty with two supervisors working as well for each shift,” Pride said. “We also have people coming in on overtime during the day, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.”
The streets are expected to be packed this March 17. When the pandemic blindsided us and forced us into isolation, celebrations were put on hold. This is the first year since the pandemic hit in which festivities are permitted. This increases the excitement surrounding the holiday.
MSU sophomore Allie Fricano said she plans to celebrate the holiday with friends but in a safe and responsible way.
“I am happy I can finally experience a St. Patrick’s Day in East Lansing,” said Fricano, “it is such an exciting but chaotic day, so we plan to have fun but in the safest way possible.”
Pride compares the chaos to an MSU vs. University of Michigan home football game.
“We have officers that are going to be dedicated primarily to the downtown area, some focusing on the neighborhoods and other officers that will be in patrol cars taking calls,” Pride said. “We just want everyone to be safe. That includes our officers and the community.”