UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State football fans will see an increase in police visibility during football games at Beaver Stadium beginning this season, as part of the University’s ongoing efforts to review and implement best practices related to the safety of the game day experience.
Starting with the Nittany Lions’ home opener on Sept. 1, fans can expect to see police officers outfitted in tactical gear at each stadium entry gate. Additionally, members of the Centre County Tactical Response Team, uniformed in full protective gear, will conduct patrols in and around Beaver Stadium throughout game days.
“The safety and security of students, employees and visitors remains the top priority for Penn State. Tens of thousands of fans gather at Beaver Stadium for each home football game, and we regularly review and update our safety procedures. This prudent increase in police visibility aligns with best practices,” said David Gray, senior vice president for finance and business, which oversees University Police and Public Safety.
“On a typical game day, personnel from numerous law enforcement agencies at local, state and federal levels are on hand to assist in providing security,” said Keith Morris, chief of police at University Park. “This additional step is parallel with measures already being taken by major sports venues, mass transit hubs and similar sites across the United States, and is part of our effort to continually evaluate and improve our security operations.”
Morris said plans for the change have been underway for months and do not come in response to any specific threat.
During sporting events, and any other large-scale activities on campus, there is an increased police presence supplemented by outside law enforcement agencies, including Pennsylvania State Police, with additional security measures in place.
Security measures at Beaver Stadium are reviewed continuously. Currently, Penn State provides security screenings at entry gates using metal detection wands. Backpacks, bags and purses are not permitted, and all items carried into the stadium are subject to inspection.
As always, University Police reminds fans: If you see something, say something.