LAUREL, Miss. (WHLT) – Law enforcement and school officials in the Pine Belt are teaming up to increase security at high school football games this weekend.
After three deadly shootings at Mississippi football games, the Laurel School District and Laurel police are working to make sure home matches are safe and secure.
MHSAA advises halting campus tailgates over safety concerns
“It’s heartbreaking, to say the very least. You know, this level of violence is just unacceptable. And it’s our place to make sure that we stop it before any more occurs,” said Captain John Stringer, with the Laurel Police Department.
Laurel officers are working with school resource officers to increase security throughout the high school’s football stadium.
“I would say that their concern was that I can do it and get away with it. Well, if we have several officers on the scene and in sight, that’ll deter that thought process,” Stringer said.
Out of caution and at the recommendation of the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA), the Laurel School District canceled all tailgating events and this year’s homecoming parade.
The Town of Bassfield is taking similar steps. Leaders have canceled all tailgating activities in Faler Park and on any of the property owned by the town.
Jones County Schools will implement a clear bag policy for all athletic and extracurricular events.
Permitted Items:
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Clear bags no larger than 12” × 6” × 12”
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One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc-style)
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Small clutch or wristlet no larger than 4.5” × 5.5”
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Diaper, strollers, and medical bags (may be subject to inspection)
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Sealed or unopened water bottles
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Blankets and quilts folded over the arm will be allowed (may be subject to inspection)
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Stadium seats and folding chairs (may be subject to inspection)
Prohibited Items:
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Regular purses, backpacks, and opaque bags
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Open containers or bottles
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Tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or weapons of any kind
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