On the weekend of Oct. 31, Madison will be anything but ordinary. However, the city is doing everything in its power to make sure that just because the weekend will not be normal, it does not mean it has to be dangerous.
City officials and Madison residents met Wednesday to hammer out the final details for what could be the most comprehensive Halloween plan ever created.
While police outlined their final plans to keep crowds under control and reduce potential dangers on Halloween, different parts of the Madison community took extra steps to ensure a successful, non-violent celebration.
\We wanted to get a better hold on the event, and we wanted to promote community involvement. We've done the best we could possibly do,"" said Madison Police Captain Luis Yudice.
According to Yudice, police have agreed to stay ""friendly"" to everyone around the State Street area, but said this year police will not hesitate to take action against ""aggressive behavior."" Foot and mounted officers will patrol the street, live-feed cameras will provide police officials with a bird's-eye view of State Street, and squads of police in protective gear will be strategically placed around areas like the University Inn, 441 N. Frances St., that were flashpoints in previous years.
Yudice also stressed any out-of-state visitors arrested Halloween weekend will be immediately placed in the city jail until they can post a cash bail.
""We welcome out-of-towners, but they will not be treated lightly,"" Yudice said.
UW-Madison is also working behind the scenes to promote safety Halloween weekend, and other universities near Madison have agreed to warn their students that destructive behavior in Madison will not be tolerated. Local business owners have expressed their optimism for this year's Halloween.
""I feel that the police listened to the problems we raised and responded positively this year,"" said Dan Waisman, owner of Poster Master, 506 State St.
""I foresee good things on State Street this year,"" he said.
While everyone at the meeting agreed the city was prepared for Halloween, UW-Police Captain Brian Bridges acknowledged success could not be guaranteed by good planning.
""The meetings here have been productive, and everyone has been very helpful, but our work isn't done yet,"" he said.
