New security procedures in place to ensure safer game day

In response to the recent violence during the first home football game, Southern University officials and community business owners met to implement new safety guidelines for future home games played on the campus.
According to Charlene Anderson, captain of the Southern University Police Department, SUBR Chancellor Edward Jackson sat down with university police officials, the university’s athletic director, and local entrepreneurs to brainstorm stricter rules and draft a new security plan in hopes of preventing any more violence on the Southern University campus.
The new security procedures will be implemented during the university’s next home game against North Carolina Central on Saturday, Sept. 23.
New security measures include a complete search of all purses and bags being carried into A.W. Mumford Stadium.
In a press release from SUPD, officials said all attendees will have to pass through metal detectors before entering the stadium as well, and tailgating on the North side of Harding Boulevard, near the tennis courts, is prohibited.
“The prohibited area is prohibited because two shootings have occurred there,” Anderson said.
Anderson said one shooting transpired last year involving a high school student and three Southern University students, while the other shooting involved a Southern fan and a parking attendant during the first home game on September 9.
The manner in which game tickets can be purchased for home games has been changed also, said university officials.
Jaguar fans now have the option to buy tickets at the Scenic Highway Ticket Office between the hours of noon and 4:00 p.m.
The second option is to buy a ticket from the F. G. Clark Activity Ticket Office from 5:00 p.m. until the third quarter on game day, officials said.
In the past, instead of purchasing tickets from the F. G. Clark Activity Center, one could purchase a ticket from the ticket booth, positioned on the East side of the stadium.
“This area will have barricades in place to offset individuals who are not coming to view the game but to just loiter,” Anderson said.
Anderson said the barricading of Mumford’s East side would begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
If persons have intentions on not purchasing a ticket, the Southern University Police Department will be right there to make it happen. If not, individuals will be turned around and directed back over the tracks, Anderson said.
Anderson also said once these persons in question are turned away, city police will be available should any problems occur.
The area just outside of the South end of Mumford Stadium will also be restricted to non-ticket holders.
Anderson said there will be 147 officers, not including undercover agents, positioned around Mumford.
According to SUPD, the height of the fences on the South end zone and Northeast and Northwest sides of the stadium is in the process of being raised. Once the fence is heightened, officials said a windscreen will be placed over the fence to prevent viewing of the game from the outside of the stadium.
Anderson said J. B. Moore Hall will serve as the command center of security operations on game day.
Dispatchers from several agencies, including Emergency Medical Service personnel, the sheriffs department and the constable office will view the game and its surroundings via security cameras.