|
Most MSU students plan to watch the Spartans during the NCAA tournament and more than 90 percent plan to celebrate in their home, apartment, or another residence. If you plan to celebrate outside after the game you "need to know" the following...
MSU Celebrations Website
MSU Celebration Release
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where can I go to celebrate?
The safest place is a residence, restaurant or other public establishment designed to entertain sports-related celebrations. If you decide to go outside you may celebrate on public property so long as you do not violate the law and do not obstruct vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
How can I celebrate without getting arrested?
You can participate in any activities that are legal and do not disturb the comfort and peace of others. If you do not violate anyone’s constitutional rights or property, you will be fine. Your right to celebrate ends where the rights of others and the law begin.
Can I have open alcohol containers?
It is illegal to have any open alcohol containers on any public streets or public property within the city of East Lansing and the MSU campus. Individuals under the age of 21 cannot legally possess and/or consume any type of alcohol, either on public or private property.
When does a gathering become an unlawful assembly and/or a riot?
A gathering becomes a riot when the crowd - five or more people - becomes violent and harms people, damages property or throws rocks and bottles at the police. A riot is determined by the actions of the crowd. What behaviors are considered “inciting” a crowd and/or riot?
- Throwing objects - Discharging fire extinguishers - Deploying fireworks - Damaging public property or private property that is not your own - Starting a fire or placing combustible items on a fire.
- Committing indecent exposure - Wearing a mask to hide your identity - Wearing protective gear for the purpose of meddling with deployed riot-control agents.
- Participating in chants/taunts directed at police - Obstructing the police in the discharge of their duties - Refusing/failing to leave a public street or sidewalk after an order to do so is given.
- Remaining on public property or returning within two hours to public property where an announcement has been made of an unlawful assembly and/or a riot control agent has been deployed - Engaging in a physical fight.
- Cheering, encouraging or even just observing any of the above listed items during an unlawful assembly.
What do I do if I find myself in the middle of a declared unlawful assembly?
If you are in the middle of an unlawful assembly – even if you are only observing – you are still considered a part of it and subject to arrest. Follow the directions given by the police over the loudspeaker and attempt to immediately leave the area via the routes indicated. You should assist your friends who may also be with you in leaving the area. If approached by a police officer, comply with any directions as much as possible. The majority of crowds tend to gravitate towards the middle of the streets, so work yourself away from the middle of the street and look for and walk towards open areas for escape.
What is “blocking a street?”
When a public street designed for vehicle traffic is partially and/or totally blocked by persons, objects, vehicles, etc, which inhibit and/or prevents safe passage of motor vehicles traveling on the roadway. This includes, but is not limited to standing in the street and crossing the street outside of pedestrian cross walks.
What actions will be taken if I block a street?
Police officers will have continuous person-to-person contact with individuals blocking the streets in the effort to clear the roadways. Continuous announcements over loud speaker systems will be made to facilitate this effort. If the streets continue to be blocked, the police may utilize a progressive use of force to clear the streets. If necessary this may include the use of chemical agents outlined within department policies.
How do I approach an officer for help?
Always approach a police officer in a non-threatening manner and state your reasons for approaching them. During large crowd activities is not the time to become argumentative or discuss your constitutional rights. If an officer tells you to do something at the time, comply and do it. If you feel your constitutional rights have been violated by a police officer, obtain the officer's badge number and consider filing a formal complaint at a later date.
Where do I get first aid?
All police personnel will be able to summon emergency assistance and/or ambulances should that be required by any individuals. In addition, all East Lansing firefighters are trained paramedics and will be able to assist should first aid be necessary. Should you be exposed to tear gas, police will instruct you as to where to go to decontaminate yourself. In most cases, that will be to the nearest water supply and then home, where a simple water wash will clear the gas from your eyes and nose, and you can remove your contaminated clothing.
What to do if exposed to tear gas?
Move to an area that is not exposed to the chemical agents / tear gas. Face into the wind and allow the wind to remove the particles from your clothing and body. Use plenty of cold water to wash the exposed areas of the body and flush the eyes with plenty of water. After washing the exposed areas, use paper towels to pat the areas dry. The effects could last for as long as two or three hours.
What are the consequences of being arrested, detained, violating laws, etc?
You will be subject to all of the penalties and sanctions associated with the related crime that you commit. If you are convicted of any offenses related to riotous behaviors, then you could also be subject to being banned from attending any state college or university for up to two years.
Relevant Laws/Ordinances/Policy
How do I file a complaint if I believe my rights have been violated?
To file a complaint on-line:
|
