Local police departments offer tips to stay safe this Halloween
Michigan State Police monitor students during the tailgate before the Chippewas game against Western Michigan University on Oct. 1 outside of Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
With Halloween approaching, residents of Mount Pleasant are preparing their costumes and candy. Both city and campus police officers want trick-or-treaters to consider safety while they’re out.
Lt. Cameron Wassman of the Central Michigan University Police Department said Halloween brings activity to campus, but not serious crime.
“There’s an increase in activity for the main reason that people use Halloween as a reason to have parties,” Wassman said. “With more parties comes more drinking.”
He added despite the increase in activity, there is usually not an increase in crime during Halloween. Wassman said weather will be a factor in how busy the night is for the department.
Businesses participating in Pumpkin Promenade include:
- A Scott Harris Salon
- CMS
- Downtown Drug
- Goudreau and Associates Inc.
- Greentree Co-op
- Headliner's
- Herb's Etc.
- Independent Bank
- Isabella County Credit Union
- Kerr Law Firm
- Motorless Motion
- Pleasant City Coffee
- Trillium Fine Clothing
As of Oct. 26, the forecast for the Halloween weekend has temperatures staying in the mid to high 50s and chances of rain staying below 30 percent.
Besides drinking, Wassman said CMUPD is also mindful of the costumes people choose for Halloween. There has been problems in the past with students who have fake or real weapons as props for their costume.
A couple years ago, campus police were called when a man had a fake gun tucked into his waistband as a part of his costume, Wassman said.
“To complicate matters, this person was drinking and when confronted with law enforcement, he was not responding to commands as quickly as you would think,” Wassman said. “Our officers ended up having to put this person at gunpoint to get him to show his hands.”
Despite recent concerns about clowns invading campus, Wassman said clown costumes will be allowed — as long as those wearing them follow the rules and don’t “creep people out too much.”
Public Information Officer Jeff Browne of the Mount Pleasant Police Department said trick-or-treating will take place between 6 and 8 p.m. in residential areas.
Browne said those with children should only approach houses with porch lights on, make sure they are able to see out of masked costumes and carry flashlights or glowsticks to keep track of each other. He also urged children to be careful at crosswalks and said candy should be checked by a parent or guardian before consumption.
Browne recommended students and older trick-or-treaters watch their drinks and be safe while out.
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Mount Pleasant will also hold the fifth annual Pumpkin Promenade from 4 to 6 p.m. on Halloween in the downtown area. The event will allow children 12 and under to trick-or-treat at local businesses.
