This is a big weekend in Chicago: Lollapalooza kicks off in Grant Park today, Saturday marks the 80th annual Bud Billiken Parade, the White Sox are at home, and the Bears host Family Day at Soldier Field.
And it's going to be hot.
Most cops are not fans of huge public events. We see too much potential for things to go badly, and we always assume people will misbehave. Still, I know you're going to want to go and enjoy yourself this weekend, and I guess I can't stop you. Just remember, one of your main priorities, as you whoop it up with friends and family, should be to not create any extra work for that hapless patrol officer out there doing crowd control or swinging traffic. With that in mind, here's some tips to help you stay safe this weekend.
Have a plan. Know how you're getting there, and getting home. CTA Tattler has a helpful guide to public transportation this weekend. Know a little about the event you're attending. Visit the website and read the FAQ. For instance, Lollapalooza has a decent guide here. Since it's going to be hot and humid, staying hydrated is important. Lollapalooza will let you bring in two sealed 1-liter bottles of water. They also have refilling stations, which will save you money and keep you from falling out in the heat after downing a couple of overpriced festival beers. Leave your guns, glass containers and fireworks at home.
Designate a place to meet if you get separated, or if there's a problem. Don't count on your cellphone to always work. Ladies, watch your bags. Don't stumble around drunk and count your money in public. While security inside the festival is good, be aware of thieves working the crowds coming and going outside the secured areas.
Speaking of thieves, those of you who plan on going out in the Lincoln Park neighborhood might want to consider walking home in groups, or (even better) taking a cab. There has been another late night robbery near Lincoln Park. Michael Lehet says there was also a recent CAPS meeting to address an increase in crime in the Lakeview neighborhood.
Finally, for you hipsters who plan on getting your drink on in Wicker Park and Bucktown, be aware that the Chicago Police Department has announced it will be conducting a "DUI Strike Force Patrol" in the 14th District tonight. Designated driver, ok?
Enjoy the weekend, you crazy kids.
Staying safe at Lollapalooza (and other places too) this weekend
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3 Comments
juanyen said:
I was just talking to my father about those attacks-- he lives in Tennessee now, but watches WGN news every night. My family lived on the 2000 block of Cleveland when I was a kid. Ironically, Lincoln Park was considered a rough neighborhood back then, but we never had any problems.
I guess we should give the crooks a little credit-- at least they have the brains to go where there's money, rather than robbing folks in poor neighborhoods.
Fernando Diaz said:
Anyone you didn't link to in this post Mr. Link Love? Thanks for helping me avoid arrest this weekend. Anything going on at the jail? Blues Brothers at 26th & Cal?
Skylers Dad said:
Your crowd control concerns made me remember my shore patrol days in the navy Joe. We had to put a certain percentage of guys in town while we were on duty, and we would go get a briefing from the professional shore patrol guys (the hard hats they were called because they wore helmets) before going into town.
I remember one guy was really great in his briefing. He told us what to expect, here the bad spots were, then told us in case there is real trouble, take that night stick and throw it as far away from you as you can before somebody takes it away from you and uses it on you!
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