Readers: Increased Police Presence Needed at Games

A total of 54 percent of people believe that additional police officers are necessary to ensure alcohol is not consumed at home football games.

In a taken Wednesday, 49 people voted in favor of the district’s decision to add one police officer to the line-up of those hired to patrol home games, from five to six, beginning with Thursday’s game against Immaculata High School.

Another 14 people, or 15 percent, said the extra officers are not necessary, while 27 people, or 30 percent, said the district should be using other methods besides police to discourage drinking on school property during the games.

Bridgewater resident Michael Macchiarola commented that he saw students being carried by their friends from bathrooms after consuming too much alcohol during the home opener against Westfield at the beginning of September. He said he also saw parents tailgating and dumping Jack Daniels into their sodas.

“The blame is equally shared,” he said. “Everyone should use better judgment.”

Macchiarola said he believes more police are needed in the parking lot and at the front gate.

Howard Sieplan commented that maybe the district could save money by using volunteer parent monitors at the games.

The additional police presence will begin at Thursday’s 7 p.m. home game against Immaculata. principal Lew Ludwig made an announcement to students Wednesday, reminding them about the additional police presence.

Ludwig discussed the zero tolerance policy concerning alcohol, and told students that those who violate the prohibition could face arrest by police, suspension from school, exclusion from future games and/or revocation of parking privileges for senior students.

[Editor's Note: The poll results are as of 11:30 a.m. Thursday, but please continue to leave your comments and participate in the poll]