After recent robberies in Gainesville and terrorist activity abroad, all levels of law enforcement will increase security during Saturday’s football game against Florida Atlantic University.
"Of course the Paris attacks, given the fact that they targeted high-populated areas, and one of them was a stadium, that’s always been a cause of concern for us," University Police spokesman Officer Wayne Clark said.
Apart from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Gainesville Police, UPD and Florida Highway Patrol, federal agents also supervise each game. On Saturday, there will be extra security from all the agencies both inside and outside the stadium.
Gates open at 10:30 a.m., when officers will check bags for prohibited items such as weapons, video cameras, food and alcohol. Clark said large bags are not allowed and, other than purses, all bags must be transparent.
Clark said no threats were reported as of Thursday, but he advised fans to work together by reporting suspicious activity and keeping the crowd safe.
"If it’s 85 degrees outside and someone’s wearing super baggy snow jackets and stuff like that, it might be a clue," he said.
He encouraged fans to report anyone holding packages strangely or leaving them at exits and entrances or people acting anxious and irritable — especially around law enforcement.
Contact Giuseppe Sabella at gsabella@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter @Gsabella
