We’re approaching the event of the year. Police task forces throughout the region have been planning for this weekend for many months. Temple Police have come together with other major University departments to discuss and plan for ways to manage the student body and keep them safe when the Pope arrives.
“It’s not just our departments. It’s everything from the Dean of Students, Student Affairs the Provost Office, Service Operations, Communications and Student Health. We’re discussing how to make sure the students that are here are getting the resources they need,” said, Charles Leone, the head of Campus Safety Services.
Temple’s Campus Safety Services will make adjustments to the regular patrolling routine. Not only will their task force double this weekend, there will be an increase of Philadelphia Police presence with Temple’s patrolling zone as well. Leone told Temple Update that he anticipates that the area surrounding Main Campus will draw big crowds due to the parking availability and the Cecil B Moore Subway Stop, which is one of the few SEPTA stations that will remain open this weekend.
“We’ll have extra police on every corner on Saturday and Sunday during the prime times that people are going to be on the subway to go down to the Parkway.” Said Captain Eileen Bradley, Captain of Special Service.
Temple is providing accommodations at the Liacouras Center for officers and staff who will be working 12-hour shifts. Those unable to make it home due to inoperative transportation systems will provided cots and food for the entire three-day period.
“Howard-Gittis will have a TV screen on for some of the officers in between shifts,” said Bradley.
Temple will also be offering up their K9 services for the City to utilize during the public mass. The K9 unit may join the Philadelphia Police in conducting sweeps of the Parkway throughout the public mass and various religious ceremonies, according to Leone.
Students are encouraged stay safe this weekend. To stay up to date on security messages persuasions, follow Campus Police on Twitter @TU_Police. The feed will be updated regularly throughout the weekend.
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