Police are preparing for potential disturbances at Troy University’s homecoming

TROY, Ala. (WSFA) – “Consider this warning.” That’s Troy’s police chief’s message to anyone thinking of unleashing violence during this year’s homecoming festivities.

The Troy Police Department is requesting assistance from local, state and federal agencies to secure the city of Troy during Homecoming. But this year, anyone who takes part in the violence will face the fullest extent of the law.

“Any attempt to disrupt the festivities or engage in criminal behavior will not be tolerated,” said Troy Police Chief Danny Barron.

The Pike County District Attorney is on standby to fully prosecute any offenders.

On October 25, shots were fired near South Brundidge Street and again in September on Park Street. Both streets are within a mile of campus.

Three years ago, a shooting occurred at a late night homecoming party in Troy.

“I think safety is unfortunately becoming an issue everywhere,” Troy student MacKenzie Phillips said.

Phillips and Emily Penix are both freshmen. Although they are excited to experience coming home for the first time, they are prepared to be very aware of their surroundings.

“There’s Troy PD around here a lot,” Penix said, saying it’s become the norm for female students to bring pepper spray or a stun gun when they go out.

However, Barron says there is no active threat. These are the precautions they have taken in the past to make homecoming a positive and memorable experience.

While the officials will do their part, they want the fans to do theirs as well.

Prepare for heavier traffic around campus and around town, especially around these events:

Friday – Live band performance in the square at 18.00
Saturday – Homecoming Parade at 10:00 a.m. Kickoff is at 3:00 p.m.

There will also be more pedestrians than normal between the tailgate and the parade, which is why it’s important to obey traffic laws.

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