The Starkville Police Department will require IDs, wristbands and implement new entry checkpoints from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays in the Cotton District as part of a new safety plan announced less than a week after a Super Bulldog Weekend shooting that left one injured.
Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill and Police Chief Mark Ballard announced the measures at a press conference on Thursday. Spruill said the city’s response was accelerated by the number of people expected in Starkville this weekend for a Zach Bryan concert in Davis Wade Stadium.
“This is not necessarily going to be a magic bullet,” Spruill said. “This is going to be a first response, and if we find that we need to do more, then we will do more.”
A perimeter will be applied to the most popular parts of the Cotton District, from Bin 612 to The Landing on University Dr., with other entries on Adkerson Way, Maxwell St. and Page Ave.
Under the new rules, people entering must show identification, be 18 or older and receive a wristband. Backpacks, outside beverages, masks and face coverings will not be allowed inside the zone.
Ballard said the perimeter is currently on schedule for Friday and Saturday nights, with Saturday nights posing most of the department’s crowd-management concerns. Starkville PD will also bring in a third-party security company to check IDs, allowing police officers to focus on law enforcement.
Along with the checkpoint system, the city will install temporary high-intensity lighting near Maxwell Street and Lummas Drive. The department has also expanded its security camera locations and will use its “Raven Unit,” a drone-based unit, in the Cotton District regularly.
The department is also establishing a permanent police substation near the Maxwell St. entrance. Ballard said the substation will allow Starkville PD to maintain a continual presence in the district and separate police processing from the existing safety tent used for medical needs.
The safety tent will continue to be managed by the Starkville Fire Department. Ballard said many of the issues police see in the Cotton District are alcohol-related and may need medical intervention, not police intervention.
During the press conference, Ballard addressed concerns from students who live in the Cotton District and may need to bring backpacks, coolers or other items home after events.
“This is not TSA boarding an aircraft, 100%, or sporting events. Common sense will be applied in each checkpoint,” Ballard said.
Ballard said the department will have a system for district residents that allows them to bring backpacks or beverages in if needed.
Spruill said the city will continue to adjust its approach if needed.
“We will respond to the situation, and going forward, we will make sure that it is as responsive and reasonable as possible,” Spruill said.
