To curb potential campus area danger this Halloween weekend, UW-Madison administrators, police and the Wisconsin Union have implemented efforts including adding extra law enforcement and alternative activities for UW-Madison students.
UW Police Lt. Erik Holen said police will patrol residence halls this weekend, which is customary for Halloween. While Holen said riots last year did not lead to increased policing for this year, UW Police Captain Glen Miller said UW Police have formed a partnership to maximize safety and utility.
\We're working with the city and the state patrol in a coordinated effort to address [potential problems] this year,"" he said. ""We'll all be part of this big operation instead of ... doing [our] own thing like [we] did last year.""
Despite what Holen and Miller describe as adequate policing, many UW-Madison students and administrators have voiced concerns about dangers on State Street resulting from alcohol and costumes, according to Lori Berquam, associate dean for the dean of students office.
""People don't know other people [because of costumes]. ... They don't know who they actually are and so they think they can get away with different behaviors,"" Berquam said. ""There's quite a few students who go down to State Street, check it out and actually leave.""
To minimize chances of danger this weekend, Berquam said students should stay in groups, refuse drinks from unknown sources, choose practical, functional costumes and comply with police.
Additionally, partyers should remember police will be sensitive to objects resembling weapons and glass is not allowed on State Street.
For those who seek alternatives to a crowded State Street and parties, the Wisconsin Union will offer a variety of activities including live music at the Memorial Union Friday.
Saturday night, Union South will host its annual costume party, according to Bob Wright, Wisconsin Union recreation services manager.
Wright said activities such as the costume party change every year and this year's should be more interesting than last.
No matter where UW-Madison students celebrate the holiday, Berquam said students should remember what they represent.
""Our students have so much pride in UW that we want them to show the same pride to the city of Madison,"" she said.
By Jennifer Kidd
The Daily Cardinal
As excitement rises in Madison and beyond for Halloween revelry on State Street, city officials reiterated Wednesday in a press conference their hopes and plans for preventing the trickery of last year and making this weekend a treat.
Planning for this weekend began last spring to develop strategies to deter a situation similar to to the riots last year, in which businesses were damaged and police used tear gas on the crowds. Plans include banning glass containers on State Street and holding an organized party Saturday night, and those in charge expressed confidence that the preparations would prove successful.
""The planning has been unprecedented. I have never been to more meetings about Halloween,"" City Council President Mike Verveer, District 4, said. ""We have planned like we've never planned before.""
Larry Kamholz, public relations officer for the police force, said he felt public forums had been important to Halloween weekend preparation and education, and that public response to the city's efforts has been positive.
Madison Police Capt. Luis Yudice said plans have involved many different groups in Madison.
""Our community will not allow this to happen again,"" he said.
""I think last year was an aberration, but because of last year we got started early,"" Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said.
Former Mayor Sue Bauman started the committee responsible for this year's Halloween festivities. Bauman said in a phone interview she felt early preparation has been important and that officials were taking a careful approach.
""I think that [the police are] being very cautious and trying very hard to ensure that they are prepared for all eventualities,"" Bauman said.
Bauman received some criticism for her handling of last year's celebration, and said credit and blame of the mayor could be misleading.
""You know, it's very hard to know why what happened happened,"" she said. ""Ultimately, since the mayor's in charge of the police department, it does come back to the mayor.""
The current mayor shared sentiments of others at the press conference that Halloween is important to Madison.
Verveer reminisced about his first Madison Halloween in the late '80s and added he has been to State Street for the party every year since.
""It's our version of Mardi Gras, and I think it's something we should embrace,"" he said.
