Badger fans should expect a longer wait at Camp Randall as staff and police implement heightened security measures for Saturday's football game and possibly for the rest of the season.
UW Police Chief Susan Riseling said in a briefing Wednesday the police department has had plans in place since 1994, but has only needed to implement them in response to the Sept. 11 attacks.
'Obviously the safety of our fans is a big concern,' Riseling said. There will also be a greater number of security personnel at the game, she added.
'We will enhance certain aspects of our plan,' she said. 'Over the past few years, we've gone through several different scenarios.'
Riseling would not comment on specific security measures, saying those details might help potential terrorists plan an attack.
Gates will open at 11:30 a.m., and fans are encouraged to come early.
'I expect [fans] to add a half hour to their normal process ... we're not going to speed up'we're going to be very methodical,' she said. 'One can imagine the magnitude' [of what we'll be trying to do].'
Riseling said residents in nearby neighborhoods will have to provide identification that shows they actually live in the areas.
'We are asking residents to do certain things. ... We need their support,' she said.
Riseling said UW Police would prefer that people not bring American flags or banners for security purposes. Additionally, the police will enforce the 'no carrying' policy. Baby bags and purses are allowed, but 'we want to see the baby' if someone tries to bring in a diaper bag, Riseling said. She also said she is confident the UW Police is prepared.
'What I've learned from going to the Big Ten and seeing Lambeau [Field] on Monday night is that we're in great shape,' she said. 'I like to think outside of the box, and I think we've done that.'
Riseling said police will evaluate security measures after the Oct. 6 game. At that time, officials will determine whether they should increase or decrease security.
'We really need to take these things day by day,' she said.
Riseling said UW Police would closely monitor the national scene for any more developments concerning terrorism.
UW-Madison Athletics Department Assistant Director Steve Malchow said Riseling 'has done an excellent job with security in the past.'
'We appreciate someone who takes these issues so seriously to ensure the safety of our fans and student athletes,' he said. 'We have worked in concert [with Riseling]' to create a safe environment.
UW-Madison officials have also established a system in the event of a terrorist attack anywhere on campus, said Brian Rust, senior administrative program specialist for the Division of Information Technology. He said the plan provides for communication among key university offices. DoIT would serve as headquarters in this situation, he said.
'The UW Police Department will contact us, and we have a messaging service [which would be used by campus operators],' he said.
The 'internal university network' will consist of communication through e-mail, phones and faxes.
Kent Barrett, university relations specialist for University Communications, said specific details might compromise safety, so the police and the university have been reluctant to discuss security methods and measures they are taking.
