Spring Fling is in the air, and local safety officials say they are ready for the action.
Penn's Division of Public Safety will increase the number of police officers on duty during the two-day festivities, but the increase in deployment will not detract from regular police patrols, officials say.
They would not say exactly how many officers will be added.
"It's a long weekend for us," Penn Police Lt. Gerald Leddy said, adding that security guards and undercover Pennsylvania Liquor Patrol Board officials will also be present at Fling.
Besides police and security officials, administrators and student-run organizations such as FlingSafe -- which has more than 250 volunteers -- and the Medical Emergency Response Team will be present to respond to emergencies.
With the exception of MERT, these measures do not differ from those implemented in past years.
Rush said that, although she expects this year's Fling to run smoothly, incidents such as disorderly conduct, aggravated assault and property destruction have been common during past Flings.
Last year, the police reported one arrest, 19 hospitalizations due to alcohol poisoning, 19 party disturbances and five investigations for simple assault during the weekend.
They also issued 16 alcohol citations.
"Act responsibly and take care of each other," Rush said, adding that students should be mindful of those living in and near the Quadrangle who are not participating in Fling.
All of the DPS's closed-circuit televisions will also be closely monitored to detect trouble and medical emergencies.
"Our goal isn't to see how many people we can lock up," Rush said.
Penn's medical amnesty policy protects students who seek treatment for alcohol or drug-related problems from University disciplinary action.
College freshman Brett McCurdy said the he will not be affected by the additional security presence.
"Just because it's Fling, I personally won't act any differently," he said.
Others, like College senior Mike Silengo, said Fling is a time for him to forget about classes and relax.
"I won't act any differently because I'm always crazy," he said.
The DPS wants students to remain especially vigilant during Fling in light of the robberies of five area college students in the last two weeks.
In separate incidents, the students were abducted and forced to withdraw money from various ATMs around the city before being released. Police have arrested a man in connection with the incidents.
"We strongly suggest people travel in groups, look out for each other and stay in well-lit areas," Penn Police Chief Mark Dorsey said. "We're reinforcing the idea that we have to stick together."
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