Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, April 20, 2018
(BLOOMINGTON) - Indiana University Police, Bloomington Police officers, Monroe County Sheriff deputies, Excise officers, Indiana State Troopers, Department of Natural Resource officers, Monroe County Correction officers, Prosecutors, and IU Health Bloomington Hospital ambulance services are gearing up as riders from 65 competitive cycling teams ready for the Little 500 Friday and Saturday at Bill Armstrong Stadium on the Bloomington Campus.
More than 25,000 people attend the Little 500 races each year.
The 31st running of the Women's Little 500 will begin at 4 p.m. Friday at Bill Armstrong Stadium near the intersection of 17th Street and Fee Lane. The following day, the 68th running of the men's race will begin at 2 p.m.
Bloomington Police Department Capt. Steve Kellams says on Monday representatives from each department met to make a plan on handling the thousands of people and the calls officials will receive during the weekend event.
A remote booking location for non-violent offenders, generally those ticketed for alcohol-related offenses, will be set up at Bloomington Police Department's headquarters on Third Street. This will allow fewer trips to and from the jail throughout the weekend.
Foot patrols will be increased in several areas in the city including Bill Armstrong Stadium and the downtown bar district and there will be two officers in each Bloomington and IU patrol car.
An emergency management room will be set up at the Bloomington Police Department where representatives from the various state agencies can meet and ensure everyone is on the same page throughout the weekend.
IU Police Capt. Craig Munroe says officers will monitor all activities registered on campus all week. Additional officers from other campuses will be on site to help staff shifts.
Both IU and Bloomington departments will have all hands on deck this weekend to handle the crowds and calls.
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