Riley County Police Director Brian Peete told the Riley County Commission on Thursday that there's a lot of anxiety surfacing about Fake Patty's Day.
The Department is launching an online campaign, explained Peete. "What comes to us is the focus on safety and the position that at large we're hearing more people in the community that are dissatisfied with the behavior associated with it than there are people saying this is a good thing for the community."
Peete added, "We're breaking up with Fake Patty's Day."
The RCPD Director noted that they don't want to put out menacing messages threatening arrests and zero tolerance. "That's not how we operate, but we are saying that there are consequences to bad behavior and that we will be enforcing those consequences to that bad behavior."
Peete said there will be local media campaigns and a one minute video. He noted the topic will also be addressed during two virtual Town Hall meetings on Feb.24.
Fake Patty's Day is held in March before spring break. RCPD has noted that for some it is an opportunity to enjoy the company of friends but in the past the event has also been associated at times with sexual assault, overcrowding, public intoxication, traffic congestion, illegal parking and acts of violence.