The Athens Police Department is preparing for Homecoming weekend, which will bring approximately 5,000 visitors to Athens.
APD officers likely will work additional shifts over the weekend, Athens Police Chief Rick Mayer said.
According to the Ohio University Alumni Association, at least 5,000 alumni are expected to attend the weekend's events.
APD is responsible for blocking off the route for Saturday's parade, as well as keeping order at Uptown bars during the weekend.
We have had problems with certain frats and drunks along the parade route in past years, Mayer said, adding that some people begin going to bars when they open Saturday morning.
When people start drinking
you don't know what is going to happen he said.
However, police are not expecting any problems over the weekend, said Lt. Rich Russell of the Ohio University Police Department.
OUPD does not put extra officers on the streets for Homecoming because it is mainly the responsibility of the city, Russell said.
Eight OUPD officers and four to six officers from other departments will provide security at Saturday's football game, which is expected to be sold out, he said.
Crime at games has not been a problem so far this year, Russell added.
- Elyse Ball
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Elyse Ball
5,000 visitors expected for weekend event
