Tuesday, March 14, 2000
Future Covington festivals will be monitored
Police, city manager to confer on security
BY JANE PRENDERGAST
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON — Police will more closely scrutinize security staffing at future festivals.
A misunderstanding between police administration and Assistant City Manager Tom Steidel allowed the now-controversial Mardi Gras to go off with no city oversight of security plans. The event sponsor, MainStrasse Village Association, decided to hire about 20 off-duty police officers and deputy sheriffs. Ev eryone involved has admitted that was too few for the crowd that totaled 60,000 over the two days.
From now on, Mr. Steidel said, police officials will check security plans for festivals and advise the city manager's office on whether the number of officers is enough. For Mardi Gras and other festivals, the police department reviewed only street-closure plans and alcohol permits before approving an event's application.
“I'll be asking them about each event,” Mr. Steidel said. “It will require them to actually have a dialogue with (or ganizers) about it.”
Lt. Col. Bill Dorsey suggested changing permit applications to require event organizers to provide information about their security plans.
“We don't mind getting involved,” he said. “We just need to know exactly what we're supposed to do.”
Residents have complained about bare breasts and public urination the festival wrought on the neighborhood. The police ultimately took control of the event on the second night, shutting down beer sales early and driving four cruisers down Main Street to move rowds out.
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